Democritus was a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher born around 460-457 BC in Abdera, Greece. He is known for developing an atomic theory of the universe, in which he proposed that everything is composed of invisible, indivisible atoms moving through empty space. After traveling through Europe, he studied natural philosophy and developed theories of epistemology, ethics, politics, and mathematics. He believed that truth is difficult to perceive through the senses alone and can only be grasped through intellect. Democritus died in 370 BC after making contributions to science and philosophy that were ahead of his time.