The Last Will of Plato

 

These are the bequests and instructions of Plato:

The estate at Iphistiades, whose northern boundary is the road to the sanctuary of Kifisia, southern boundary the sanctuary of Heracles at Iphistiades, eastern boundary the estate of Archestratus of Phrearrhioi, and western boundary the estate of Philip of Cholidae, may not be sold or exchanged, but shall belong to the child Adeimantus.

The estate at Eiresidai, which I bought from Callimachus and borders on the north and east with the estate of Eurymedon of Myrrhinous, south with that of Demostratus of Xypete, and west with the river Kifisos.

Three silver minae. A silver vessel weighing one hundred sixty-five drachmas. A cup weighing forty-five drachmas. A gold ring and a gold earring weighing together four drachmas and three obols. The stonecutter Eucleides owes me three minae.

I release Artemis (a slave). I also leave the slaves Tychon, Bicta, Apolloniades, and Dionysios.

Household items as listed in the inventory. A copy is kept by Demetrios.

I owe nothing to anyone.

Executors: Leosthenes, Speusippus, Demetrios, Hegias, Eurymedon, Callimachus, Thrasippus.

That was his will.

THE FOLLOWING EPIGRAMS WERE INSCRIBED ON HIS TOMB:

1. Here lies the divine Aristocles (Plato), who surpassed mortals in wisdom and righteous character. He was more praised than all others praised for wisdom, and envy is excluded.

2. The earth here embraces the body of Plato, but the soul of the son of Ariston dwells immortal among the blessed. Good men, no matter how far they live, honor him, for he discerned the divine life.

3. Eagle, why do you fly over the grave? Tell us whose divine, starry house you gaze upon?

—I am the image of Plato's soul rising to Olympus. His body, born of earth, remains in the Attic land.

4. If Plato had not been born in Greece thanks to Phoebus (Apollo), how could he have healed human souls with letters? His son Asclepius heals the body, Plato heals the immortal soul.

5. Phoebus (Apollo) gave mortals Asclepius and Plato—one as savior of the soul, the other of the body. After a wedding feast, he passed through this city he had built for himself and settled in the house of Zeus.

Source: DIOGENES LAERTIUS Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

Photos: Taken by me. Plato's Academy as it is today , July 2025.