He is undoubtedly the most famous fabulist of the Western world. Though details about his life are various and contradictory, there are a number of reputable sources that mention him. The collection of these details coupled with a bit of conjecture is what you're likely to find in a Life of Aesop book.
By most accounts he was born in the 7th century BCE, around 620 and died in the 6th century BCE, perhaps around 564. The location of his birth is mentioned by several different authorities as several different places. He may have been born on the Black Sea coast in Thrace or in Phrygia. Other sources place his origin in Africa, specifically Ethiopia.
His fables often involve animals that are not native to Greece. They are more consistent with African fauna. This and a likely etymological confusion about his name have led many to believe that he was from Ethiopia.
Hesiod was likely the first Greek to tell write a fable. However, the hero of this story is far more famous. There are literally hundreds of fables attributed to him. His legend has grown to mythic proportions. He is often depicted as a slave who gained his freedom by outwitting his masters.
A romantic tradition began about his legend, somewhere in the first century CE. It tells of an ugly slave who wins his freedom. The slave them becomes an emissary to King Croesus.
Plutarch, as well as many other sources talk about his execution by the people of Delphi. Possibly on a mission from Lydia, he presumably tells the Delphinians some fables that insult their honor. They then make up some crime and bring him to trial. He quickly receives a death sentence and is brought out to a cliff to receive his punishment. Some stories say he was thrown over while others say he jumped over himself to deny them power over him. Whatever the case, it is likely that any Life of Aesop book will be quite entertaining. Life of Aesop Book
By most accounts he was born in the 7th century BCE, around 620 and died in the 6th century BCE, perhaps around 564. The location of his birth is mentioned by several different authorities as several different places. He may have been born on the Black Sea coast in Thrace or in Phrygia. Other sources place his origin in Africa, specifically Ethiopia.
His fables often involve animals that are not native to Greece. They are more consistent with African fauna. This and a likely etymological confusion about his name have led many to believe that he was from Ethiopia.
Hesiod was likely the first Greek to tell write a fable. However, the hero of this story is far more famous. There are literally hundreds of fables attributed to him. His legend has grown to mythic proportions. He is often depicted as a slave who gained his freedom by outwitting his masters.
A romantic tradition began about his legend, somewhere in the first century CE. It tells of an ugly slave who wins his freedom. The slave them becomes an emissary to King Croesus.
Plutarch, as well as many other sources talk about his execution by the people of Delphi. Possibly on a mission from Lydia, he presumably tells the Delphinians some fables that insult their honor. They then make up some crime and bring him to trial. He quickly receives a death sentence and is brought out to a cliff to receive his punishment. Some stories say he was thrown over while others say he jumped over himself to deny them power over him. Whatever the case, it is likely that any Life of Aesop book will be quite entertaining. Life of Aesop Book
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