The Golden Ass

Apuleius (c. 124–170 CE) was a Latin-language prose writer, Platonist philosopher, and orator. Born in the city of Madauros, in the Roman province of Numidia which is modern-day M’Daourouch, Algeria, he studied Platonism in Athens, travelled to Italy, Asia Minor, and Egypt, and was initiated into several Mystery cults.

His most famous work is “The Metamorphoses,” also called “The Golden Ass.” It is the only Latin novel that has survived in its entirety. The work tells the story of Lucius, who experiments with magic and is accidentally turned into an ass, leading to various adventures before his transformation back into human form by the goddess Isis. Apuleius penned further works, including “Florida,” “De Platone et dogmate eius,” “De Deo Socratis,” “On the Universe,” and more. He also translated Plato’s “Phaedo.”

Apuleius had a diverse career, including public speaking, organizing gladiatorial shows and wild beast events, and authoring numerous works on various subjects, including philosophy, religion, and politics. One notable event was the accusation that he had practiced sorcery to win the affections and fortune of a wealthy widow. He defended himself in a speech known as the Apologia.

The exact date and circumstances of Apuleius’ death are uncertain. Some sources propose a date around 170 CE, while others suggest he may have lived as late as 180 or even 190 CE.

Only some of his works are known to us, but those known offer commentary on politics, agriculture, medicine, natural history, astronomy, music, and arithmetic.

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