Hermias of Atarneus, who lives in Atarneus, is Aristotle's father-in-law.

The first mention of Hermias is as a slave to Eubulus, a Bithynian banker who ruled Atarneus.

Hermias eventually wins his freedom and inherits the rule of Atarneus.

Due to his policies, his control expands to other neighboring cities, such as Assos, in Asia Minor.

In his youth, Hermias had studied philosophy in Plato's Academy.

There he first met Aristotle.

After Plato's death in 347 BCE, Xenocrates and Aristotle travele to Assos under the patronage of Hermias.

Aristotle founds his first philosophical school there and eventually marries Pythias, Hermias' daughter or niece.

Hermias' towns are among those that revolt from Persian rule.

In 342 BCE, the Persian King, Artaxerxes III, sends Memnon of Rhodes to reconquer these coastal cities.

Under the guise of truce, Memnon tricks Hermias into visiting him, whereupon he sends Hermias in chains to Susa.

Hermias is tortured, presumably for Memnon to learn more about Philip of Macedon's upcoming invasion plans.

Hermias' dying words are that he has done nothing unworthy of philosophy.

After Hermias' death, Aristotle dedicates a statue in Delphi and composes a hymn to Virtue in Hermias' honor.