, who argues that the Timaeus-Critias is a thematic expansion of the Gorgias and the Republic. 4 Foreshadowing Timaeus' methodological programme introduced at Tim. 29b2f: 'With regard to every subject matter, it is most important to begin at the topic's natural beginning.' 5 I will retain the Greek script in quotations and discussions that make reference to specifi c Greek source texts while transliterating individual terms in the context of more general discussions. I am aware that this distinction is not always clear-cut, and that this policy will, at times, result in a juxtaposition of Greek and English script.