born 0441; 560, Colophon, Ionia
died 0441; 478 BC
Greek poet, religious thinker, and reputed precursor of philosophy of the Eleatics .
Though some critics consider Parmenides the founder of the Eleatic school, Xenophanes' philosophy, which found expression primarily in the poetry he recited on his travels, probably anticipated Parmenides' views. Fragments of his epics reflect his contempt for anthropomorphism and for popular acceptance of Homeric mythology.