Lacydes of Cyrene (Ancient Greek: Λακύδης ὁ Κυρηναῖος), Academic Skeptic philosopher, was head of the Platonic Academy at Athens in succession to Arcesilaus from 241 BC.
He moved to Athens, and attached himself to the Middle Academy, according to a silly story quoted by Eusebius[1] from Numenius, because the ease with which his servants robbed him without being detected, convinced him that no reliance could be placed on the evidence of the senses.
The place where his instructions were delivered was a garden, named the Lacydeum (Greek: Λακύδειον), provided for the purpose by his friend Attalus I of Pergamon.
According to Diogenes Laërtius[2] he died from excessive drinking, but the story is discredited by the eulogy of Eusebius[1] that he was in all things moderate.
Apart from a number of anecdotes distinguished for their sarcastic humour, Lacydes has the reputation of a man of refined character, a hard worker, and an accomplished orator.