The Anaxagoreia () was a day of rest in ancient
Lampsacus, during which children were forbidden to play outside the house. This "holiday" was dedicated to the philosopher
Anaxagoras
Anaxagoras (; , ''Anaxagóras'', 'lord of the assembly'; ) was a Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher. Born in Clazomenae at a time when Asia Minor was under the control of the Persian Empire, Anaxagoras came to Athens. In later life he was charged ...
, who had been persecuted in
Athens
Athens ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica (region), Attica region and is the southe ...
and sought refuge in Lampsacus. The celebration was held annually and continued until the time of
Diogenes Laertius.
According to him, shortly before Anaxagoras died, the senate of Lampsacus sent messengers to ask what would be the best way to honor him. He replied, "Let all the boys have a day off to play on the anniversary of my death!"
[Diogenes Laertius, 2.3]
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Lapseki District
Festivals in ancient Greece