Philosophy · Ancient Greece · c. 470–399 BCE
Socrates Life & Career Timeline
Questioning, ethical examination and a life preserved through the writings of others.
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SSocratesPhilosophy · Ancient Greece
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About this timeline
About Socrates
Socrates wrote nothing himself, but his public questioning, trial and death reshaped philosophy through Plato, Xenophon and later schools.
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Socrates biography
Socrates timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Athens
Ancient sources place Socrates’ birth around 470 BCE, to Sophroniscus and Phaenarete.
Source: plato.stanford.eduCraft and education traditions
Later accounts associate him with stonework, while his intellectual formation remains uncertain.
Source: plato.stanford.eduBegins public philosophical questioning
Socrates pursued conversation in public places rather than writing treatises.
Source: plato.stanford.eduServes at Potidaea
Sources describe courage and endurance during Athenian military service.
Source: plato.stanford.eduFights at Delium
Socrates reportedly remained composed during the Athenian retreat.
Source: plato.stanford.eduCampaign at Amphipolis
He again served as a hoplite during the Peloponnesian War.
Source: plato.stanford.eduThe Delphic oracle story
In Plato’s Apology, Chaerephon reports that the oracle named no one wiser than Socrates.
Source: plato.stanford.eduConversations with Alcibiades
His association with the controversial statesman later complicated his public reputation.
Source: plato.stanford.eduQuestions virtue and knowledge
Dialogues attributed to his practice examine whether virtue can be taught and what knowledge means.
Source: plato.stanford.eduOpposes an illegal collective trial
As presiding citizen, Socrates resisted an unconstitutional vote against the Arginusae generals.
Source: plato.stanford.eduDefies the Thirty Tyrants
He refused an order to help arrest Leon of Salamis, accepting personal danger.
Source: plato.stanford.eduDemocracy restored
Political restoration and amnesty formed the immediate background to his later prosecution.
Source: plato.stanford.eduCharged with impiety
Meletus, Anytus and Lycon accused Socrates of impiety and corrupting the young.
Source: plato.stanford.eduDefends the examined life
Plato’s Apology presents Socrates defending philosophical questioning before the jury.
Source: plato.stanford.eduConvicted and sentenced
A citizen jury found him guilty and selected death as the penalty.
Source: plato.stanford.eduRefuses escape
In Plato’s Crito, Socrates rejects a plan to flee, arguing that he must respect the laws.
Source: plato.stanford.eduDies by drinking hemlock
Socrates accepted execution at about age seventy.
Source: plato.stanford.eduDialogues preserve his influence
Plato, Xenophon and other followers made Socrates a foundational figure in ethical philosophy.
Source: plato.stanford.eduThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Socrates or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Socrates timeline
Who is Socrates?
Socrates wrote nothing himself, but his public questioning, trial and death reshaped philosophy through Plato, Xenophon and later schools.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning c. 470–399 BCE.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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