Bias
（
Βίας).
1.
The son of Amythaon and Idomené, was king of Argos, and brother to the famous
soothsayer
Melampus (q.v.).
2.
One of the Seven Wise Men of Greece. He was son of Teutamus, and was born at
Priené, in Ionia, about B.C. 570. Bias was a practical philosopher, studied the
laws of his country, and employed his knowledge in the service of his friends, defending them
in the courts of justice, settling their disputes. He made a noble use of his wealth. His
advice, that the Ionians should fly before the victorious Cyrus to Sardinia, was not
followed, and the victory of the army of Cyrus confirmed the correctness of his opinion. The
inhabitants of Priené, when besieged by Mazares, resolved to abandon the city with
their property. On this occasion Bias replied to one of his fellow-citizens, who expressed
astonishment that he made no preparations for his departure, “I carry everything
with me.” He remained in his native country, where he died at a very advanced age.
His countrymen buried him with splendour, and honoured his memory. Some of his apophthegms
are still preserved.
