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Apuleius of Madaurus
Roman Africa (2nd c. AD)Constantine
📖Their story
Born in Madaurus in what is today eastern Algeria, Apuleius travelled the Mediterranean studying philosophy, rhetoric and religion. Accused of using magic to seduce a wealthy widow, he defended himself in a brilliant speech that has survived to this day.
⭐Why they matter
He wrote The Golden Ass, the only Latin novel preserved in full, an early literary masterpiece from North Africa.
💡Did you know?
His Apologia is one of antiquity's earliest surviving courtroom speeches in self-defence.