HIEROCLES, the neo-Platonic philosopher, had a flourishing school at Alexandria in the beginning of the fifth century, and was greatly admired for his ease and elegance of style. The works ascribed to him are:—1. A Commentary on Providence and Fate, and the Agreement between Divine Government and Human Liberty, in seven parts. Mere fragments of it are all that now exist. He reasons in favour of human liberty of will by supposing the pre-existence of the soul. He denies the eternity of matter. 2. Philosophical Maxims, preserved in the shape of extracts in Stobæus. 3. A Commentary on the Golden Verses of Pythagoras. This has come down to us entire, and is valuable as giving us a view of the Pythagorean philosophy. The best edition of it is by R. Warren. London, 1742.