Apuleius, Lucius 2nd century AD
Roman writer, satirist and rhetorician

Born in Madaura, in Numidia, Africa, he was educated at Carthage and Athens. He used the fortune bequeathed to him by his father to travel, visiting Italy and Egypt, where it is likely that he was initiated into the mysterious religion of Isis and Osiris. His knowledge of priestly fraternities is reflected in his novel, the Metamorphoses (Eng trans The Golden Ass, 1566), a tale of adventure containing elements of magic, satire and romance, notably the story of Cupid and Psyche. Having married a wealthy, middle-aged widow, Aemilia Pudentilla, who nursed him in Alexandria, he was charged by her relations with having employed magic to gain her affections. His Apologia, still extant, was an eloquent speech in his defence. He later settled in Carthage, where he devoted himself to literature, philosophy and rhetoric.

Bibliography: E H Haight, Apuleius and his Influence (1927)