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Roman & Late Antiquity
Apuleius of Madaurus
Roman / Late Antiquity
Scholars & ThinkersRoman Africa (2nd c. AD)Constantine
His Apologia is one of antiquity's earliest surviving courtroom speeches in self-defence.
Historical significance
He wrote The Golden Ass, the only Latin novel preserved in full, an early literary masterpiece from North Africa.
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.
Did you know?
His Apologia is one of antiquity's earliest surviving courtroom speeches in self-defence.