Seven Sages

Seven Sages, name given by Greek tradition to seven men of practical wisdom—statesmen, law-givers, and philosophers—of the seventh and sixth centuries BC. The list of sages is variously given in different authorities, but generally it comprises Solon of Athens, Thalēs of Miletus, Pittacus of Mitylēnē, Cleobulus of Rhodes, Chilon of Sparta, Bias of Priēnē, and Periander of Corinth. Many pieces of proverbial wisdom were attributed to them, such as those inscribed at Delphi, ‘Know yourself’ and ‘Nothing in excess’.