For that lame boy was Epictetus--Epictetus for whom was written the memorable epitaph: "I was Epictetus, a slave, and maimed in body, and a beggar for poverty, _and dear to the immortals_." Although we have a clear sketch of his philosophical doctrines, we have no materials whatever for any but the most meagre description of his life.

The picture of his mind--an effigy of that which he alone regarded as his true self--may be seen in his works, and to this we can add little except a few general facts and uncertain anecdotes.
Epictetus was probably born in about the fiftieth year of the Christian era; but we do not know the exact date of his birth, nor do we even know his real name.

"Epictetus" means "bought" or "acquired," and is simply a servile designation.

He was born at Hierapolis, in Phrygia, a town between the rivers Lycus and Meander, and considered by some to be the capital of the province.

The town possessed several natural wonders--sacred springs, stalactite grottoes, and a deep cavern remarkable for its mephitic exhalations.