Aristotle

Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) was born in the city of Stagira in Macedonia. His father, Nichomacus, was the personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedonia. In 367, at the age of 17, Aristotle went to Athens to attend the Academy, which was founded by Socrates' pupil Plato, where he stayed until Plato's death in 347. Then, since he wasn't named successor, Aristotle left Athens, traveling around until 343 when he became tutor for Amyntas' grandson, Alexander -- later known as "the Great." Aristotle and Plato vie for the title of the most important/influential (ancient Greek) philosopher.