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Stoicism emerged during the Hellenistic Age, making it arguably the most widespread and influential School of philosophy in the Greek world until the rise of Neoplatonism. Its name, derived from stoa poikile (painted porch), refers to the colonnade near the Agora in Athens where early Stoics gathered to discuss philosophy publicly.
Founders and Key Figures
The school's founder is often identified as Zeno of Citium, a figure from Cyprus who studied under the Cynic philosopher Crates. Though sharing kinship with Cynics, Zeno forged a distinct philosophical path, emphasizing rational order and virtue.