Democritus

Democritus Is Born

460 BCE

Democritus was born in Abdera, Greece, in 460 BCE.

Democritus Theorises About Particles

400 BCE

Democritus, the Greek philosopher, suggested that all matter was formed of different types of tiny discrete particles and that the properties of this particle also determined the properties of matter. The photo is the model Democritus came up with, however there are no protons, electrons or neutrons.

Naming the Atom

400 BCE

Democritus believed that atoms were unbreakable into smaller parts. This is why he named it an atom, which in Greek means 'Indivisable'.

Democritus' Death

370 BCE

Democritus died at around ages 90, and he had published over 70 books in his lifetime. He enjoyed travelling to different places, and he was never married. He had two siblings called Herotodus and Damastes, and his family was very wealthy.