a Greek philosopher, was born at Elea, in Southern Italy, about B.C. 490. He was a pupil of Carmenides, and lived at Elea all his life, with the exception of occasional visits to Athens, where he had many of the wealthy citizens for his disciples. He is said to have engaged in a conspiracy against Nearchus, the tyrant of Elea, who captured him and put him to death by cruel torture. For an account of his philosophy, (See ELEATIC SCHOOL).