Γοργίας was a prominent ancient Greek philosopher and rhetorician, known for his contributions to the art of persuasion and the study of language. He lived during the 5th century BCE and was associated with the Sophists, a group of teachers who offered education in various subjects, particularly rhetoric. His work emphasized the power of words and the importance of effective communication in public life. One of Γοργίας's most famous works is the "Encomium of Helen," where he defends Helen of Troy against accusations of causing the Trojan War. He argued that persuasion could lead to truth and that rhetoric was a valuable skill for achieving success in society. His ideas laid the groundwork for later philosophical discussions on ethics and the nature of truth.