1001Philosophers

Hippodamus of Miletus c. 498 BC – c. 408 BC

Hippodamus of Miletus (c. 498 BC – c. 408 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Sophism, Ancient Greek Philosophy, and Political Philosophy.

Hippodamus of Miletus was a Greek architect, urban planner, mathematician, and political philosopher of the fifth century BC, traditionally credited with the design of the rectangular grid plan for cities first used at Piraeus, Thurii, and Rhodes. Aristotle's Politics preserves a substantial summary of his political theory, in which the city is divided into three classes of artisans, farmers, and warriors, the territory into three parts of sacred, public, and private land, and the laws into three sorts addressed to outrage, damage, and homicide. He stands as the first political philosopher in the Greek tradition to attempt a comprehensive theoretical design of a city, and so as the philosophical ancestor of every later utopian planner.

Key facts

Nationality
Greek
Era
Ancient
Movements
Sophism, Ancient Greek Philosophy, Political Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus:

    “The city ought to be designed as carefully as the human body, with each part in its proper place.”

  • Attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus:

    “The three classes of citizens are the artisans, the farmers, and the warriors; each requires its own training.”

  • Attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus:

    “Land should be divided into three parts: sacred, public, and private; without each, the city falters.”

  • Attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus:

    “Laws should be classified by the wrong they address: outrage, damage, and homicide.”

  • Attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus:

    “He who plans a city must think first as a philosopher, then as an architect.”

Frequently asked about Hippodamus of Miletus

When did Hippodamus of Miletus live?
Hippodamus of Miletus was born in c. 498 BC and died in c. 408 BC.
Where was Hippodamus of Miletus from?
Hippodamus of Miletus was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Hippodamus of Miletus associated with?
Hippodamus of Miletus was associated with Sophism, Ancient Greek Philosophy, and Political Philosophy.
What was Hippodamus of Miletus known for?
Hippodamus of Miletus was a Greek architect, urban planner, mathematician, and political philosopher of the fifth century BC, traditionally credited with the design of the rectangular grid plan for cities first used at Piraeus, Thurii, and Rhodes.
How many quotes are attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Hippodamus of Miletus in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.