← Glossary

Zeno of Citium

The founder of the Stoic school (c. 333–264 BC), who taught in Athens around 300 BC and established the concept of apatheia.

Zeno founded the Stoa in response to the political uncertainty following Alexander's conquests. He shaped the ideal of apatheia and of living in accordance with nature (homologoumenōs tē physei zēn). His name is inseparable from the Stoa Poikilē (Painted Porch) in Athens, where he delivered his lectures. His students Cleanthes and Chrysippus systematically developed his teachings.