Who is Socrates from The Greek Way and what is their importance?

Socrates lived in the early part of the fifth century. He was clearly devoted to the examination of the universe and the proper approach to living one's life in the world. He taught through debates and discussions with people of all kinds in various public places. When he reached the age of 70, there was fear and suspicion of new ideas in Athens. His ability to gather crowds of young men who participated in his discussions was viewed as a threat to the social order and he was condemned to death by drinking hemlock. He is the only philosopher ever executed in Athens. His execution is a clear and obvious contradiction to the Athenian belief that men were free to think and speak as they wished.