Epictetus
Born 1955 · Age 70
Greek Stoic philosopher, born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia; freedman who taught in Rome and then founded a school at Nicopolis. His teachings were preserved by his pupil Arrian as the Discourses and the Enchiridion.
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Life & Career Timeline
School at Nicopolis attracts eminent students and visitors
Epictetus' school became well regarded, attracting many eminent figures and visitors; he taught by example and lectures. Ongoing milestone rather than single date.
Arrian studies under Epictetus (approx.)
Flavius Arrian (Arrian of Nicomedia), born c. 86 CE, is recorded as a student of Epictetus when a young man; Arrian later transcribed Epictetus' teachings.
Describes himself as 'old' to Arrian (testimony)
Around 108 CE Epictetus told his pupil Arrian that he was old; internal testimony used to estimate his birth date. This comment anchors chronology for later writings.
Arrian compiles/transcribes Discourses (approx.)
Arrian recorded Epictetus' lectures and discussions. The Discourses (originally more books) are attributed to Arrian's transcriptions; dating of compilation placed in early 2nd century (approx. c. 104–130 CE).
Arrian distills Enchiridion (Handbook) from Discourses
Arrian produced a popular digest, the Enchiridion (Handbook), a concise manual of Epictetus' ethical teaching derived from the Discourses.
Reported friendliness with Emperor Hadrian (approx.)
Ancient sources report that Emperor Hadrian (reigned 117–138) was friendly toward Epictetus and possibly heard him speak at Nicopolis. Exact meetings are uncertain.
Lives simply; adopts a child in old age (approx.)
Epictetus led a life of simplicity; in old age he adopted a friend's child (who otherwise would likely have been left to die) and raised him with help from a woman (possibly a wife; sources ambiguous).
Discourses survive in four extant books (transmission/milestone)
The transmission history: Arrian's original Discourses are said to have comprised eight books; four books survive in our tradition (Photius and later manuscripts comment on this).
Influence on Roman elites and later thinkers consolidates
By the early 2nd century Epictetus' teachings (via Arrian) had begun to influence Roman elites and later Stoics. Marcus Aurelius and other Roman intellectuals cite or were influenced by him.
Death in Nicopolis (approx. c. 135)
Epictetus died at Nicopolis around 135 CE (dates vary slightly among sources). He spent the remainder of his life teaching at the Nicopolis school.
Lucian reports Epictetus' oil lamp bought for 3,000 drachmae (posthumous anecdote)
According to Lucian, after Epictetus' death an admirer purchased his oil lamp for 3,000 drachmae — a posthumous sign of celebrity and admiration. Date and exact details are anecdotal.
Marcus Aurelius cites and is influenced by Epictetus (legacy)
Marcus Aurelius (born 121 CE) cites and uses Epictetus' ideas in his Meditations. Although they never met, Epictetus' teachings significantly influenced Marcus' Stoic practice.
Enchiridion translated into Latin by Poliziano (Renaissance dissemination)
The Enchiridion was translated into Latin by Angelo Poliziano in 1497, which helped spread Epictetus' influence in Renaissance Europe (legacy event).
Blaise Pascal and 17th-century thinkers read and commented on Epictetus
Epictetus' Enchiridion and Discourses were read by early modern intellectuals; Blaise Pascal listed Epictetus among philosophers familiar to him and praised his ethical insights.
Elizabeth Carter translates 'All the Works of Epictetus' (English, 1758/59)
English translations increased Epictetus' readership: Elizabeth Carter's translation (1758/1759) brought his works to an English-speaking audience.
W. A. Oldfather publishes Loeb Classical Library edition of the Discourses (1925–28)
Modern critical editions: Oldfather's Loeb edition (two vols., 1925–28) made the Greek text and facing English translation widely available to scholars and students.
Born in Hierapolis, Phrygia
Birth in the city of Hierapolis (modern Pamukkale, Turkey). Exact name at birth not recorded; Greek nickname 'Epíktētos' means 'acquired'.
Brought to Rome as a slave to Epaphroditus (approx.)
As a boy/young youth he spent his youth in Rome as a slave in the household of Epaphroditus, a powerful freedman and secretary to Nero. Exact year uncertain; must have been prior to 68 CE.
Suffers disability / becomes lame (reported)
Ancient sources report Epictetus was lame; Celsus (via Origen) says his leg was deliberately broken by his master; other sources give rheumatism or childhood affliction. Date uncertain but occurred during enslavement/early life.
Studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus (while enslaved)
With his master's permission Epictetus studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus in Rome, an education that raised his status and shaped his life. Date approximate (sometime during his youth in Rome).
Nero dies; Epaphroditus' prominence context
Emperor Nero dies (68 CE). Epaphroditus (Epictetus' master) had served Nero; the death of Nero is a chronological marker for subsequent manumission of Epictetus.
Manumitted / formally freed (sometime after Nero's death)
Epictetus obtained his freedom sometime after Nero's death (sources say 'after 68 CE'). Exact year unknown; traditionally placed in the years following Nero's death.
Begins teaching philosophy in Rome (after manumission)
After manumission Epictetus began to teach Stoic philosophy in Rome. He gained a reputation as a teacher before later banishment. Date range between ca. 70–89 CE.
Banished from Rome by Emperor Domitian (approx.)
Edict(s) of Domitian expelled philosophers from Rome. Sources vary on exact year (often given c. 89–93 CE). Epictetus left Rome under this decree.
Moves to Nicopolis, Epirus and establishes a school
Following his banishment from Rome, Epictetus relocated to Nicopolis (northwestern Greece) and founded a Stoic school of philosophy there, teaching for the rest of his life.
Robin Hard's revised translation of the Discourses published (1995)
A modern popular English translation (Everyman, Robin Hard) helped revitalise interest in Epictetus among contemporary readers.
Robert Dobbin edition/translation of Discourses Book 1 (1998) and later editions
Scholarship and translations continued: Robert Dobbin produced translations and commentaries (Book 1 in 1998; Discourses and Selected Writings in 2008).
A. A. Long publishes 'Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life' (2002)
Major modern scholarly works analyzing Epictetus' philosophy (Long, 2002) consolidate his status as a major Stoic teacher; continued academic interest and influence.
Robin Waterfield publishes 'The Complete Works' translation (2022)
A comprehensive modern English edition (Robin Waterfield, 2022) repackages Discourses, Enchiridion, and fragments for contemporary readers.
Continued scholarly work and translations maintain influence
Ongoing scholarship (studies, translations, lectures) demonstrates Epictetus' lasting influence in philosophy, psychology, and popular Stoicism movements.
Key Achievement Ages
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