Timycha of

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( el, Τιμύχα Λακεδαιμονία; early 4th century BC), along with her husband Myllias of Croton (Μυλλίας Κροτωνιάτης), was a member of a group of Pythagorean pilgrims, who were attacked by Syracusian soldiers on their way to

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, because they had rejected the friendship of the tyrant Dionysius the Elder. Although they had the option of running through a field of beans to escape, they would not, as this was a taboo to them. Instead they fought and died, with the exception of the pregnant Timycha and her husband, who were captured. Dionysius questioned her as to the reason for this taboo, but she refused to answer. Instead, she bit off her tongue and spat it at his feet in a gesture of defiance.On the Pythagorean Life By Iamblichus p.82-84, translation with notes by Gillian Clark, 1989

References

* Philostorgius: ''Church History'', Philip R. Amidon. Page 174. (2007) Classical Greek philosophers Ancient Greek women philosophers 4th-century BC Greek people 4th-century BC Greek women 4th-century BC philosophers Pythagoreans of Magna Graecia Ancient Syracuse Spartan women in ancient warfare Year of birth unknown Year of death unknown {{AncientGreece-philosopher-stub