Clearchus of Soli was a Greek philosopher and writer who lived in the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BCE. He was from the city of Soli in Cyprus and was a direct student of Aristotle, belonging to the Peripatetic school of philosophy that continued Aristotle's work at the Lyceum in Athens. The precise dates of his life are uncertain, but he was active in the generation following Aristotle's death.
He was a prolific author, though none of his works survive intact. They are known only through fragments quoted by later ancient writers. His writings reflected the broad, encyclopedic interests of his school, covering topics from philosophy and science to culture and biography. Known titles include On Sleep, On Education, On Friendship, On Proverbs, Lives, and works on animals, painting, and mathematics. According to modern scholars, these fragments show he collected anecdotes, discussed educational practices, and recorded observations on natural phenomena.
Clearchus is historically important as an early figure in the Peripatetic tradition, helping to disseminate and expand upon Aristotelian thought after the founder's death. His fragmentary writings provide valuable insight into the intellectual pursuits of the early Hellenistic period and are cited by later authors for details on cultural history, biography, and early scientific inquiry.
Available Works
Sources
- Stanford Encyclopedia Entry (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Accessed: 2026-01-26
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia Entry (Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics) Accessed: 2026-01-26