# Epictetus

## Biography

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia, around 50-55 AD. His birth name is unknown; "Epictetus" is a Greek word meaning "acquired." He spent his youth in Rome as a slave to Epaphroditus, a wealthy freedman and secretary to Emperor Nero. Despite his enslaved status, Epictetus developed a passion for philosophy and was allowed to study under the Stoic teacher Musonius Rufus. He became disabled, possibly from an injury inflicted by his master or from childhood rheumatism.

After gaining his freedom around 68 AD, Epictetus began teaching philosophy in Rome. However, around 93 AD, Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from the city. Epictetus then moved to Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, where he established his own renowned school of philosophy. He lived a simple life, and while he did not marry or have children, he adopted a friend's child in his old age. Epictetus never wrote his own works; his teachings were meticulously compiled and published by his devoted student, Arrian, in two significant works: the Discourses and the Enchiridion. He died around 135 AD in Nicopolis.

## Books

- [The Enchiridion](https://samolit.com/books/96155)