Opinio* in the Ancient World: The Case of the Defamation of Apuleius of Madaura in the *Civitas* of Oea

Abstract

 This article is intended to explore the possibilities offered by the historical concept of opinion in the Ancient World. We intend to observe the existence of a public arena in roman civitates through the libel process happen against Apuleius Madaura in the city of Oea. Through his Apologia, Apuleius want to rehabilitate his honor and influence the opiniones of the local people about their representation as a philosopher and a man of unblemished culture, in addition to acquit before the tribunal of Pronconsul of Africa. Keywords: opinio, public arena, Apuleius of Madaura, honor.