In the 8th-6th centuries BC, the formation of Greek civilization took place, which subsequently had a powerful influence on the formation of modern European culture. During this era, original Greek science, based on two pillars - philosophy and mathematics, also rose to its feet. Greek thinkers tried to comprehend nature and, more broadly, the world around man with the help of contemplation, abstract thinking and numbers. The most original ancient Greek sage of that time, Pythagoras (about 580-497 BC), attached particular importance to numbers. He created a secret religious society dedicated to science and politics. Pythagoras and his students left behind a rich philosophical and mathematical heritage, which became the foundation of classical Greek science. In addition, his numerous followers - the Pythagoreans - formed a mystical movement of ancient social thought that has survived to the present day.