A renowned Greek slave, Aesop, was the alleged author of an extensive collection of fables, comprising over 200 tales that have been passed down through the ages. Although it is uncertain whether he actually penned each and every one of these fables, his name has become inextricably linked with the genre, and as such, they are often attributed to him.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding his authorship, Aesop's life was marked by turmoil and tragedy. He was sentenced to death for heresy, a charge that likely stemmed from his unconventional views and teachings. In a brutal and inhumane act, Aesop was thrown from the edge of a cliff, a fate that befell him around 560 BC.
Interestingly, if we accept the commonly cited dates of his birth and death, Aesop would have lived to the ripe old age of 60, a remarkable feat considering the average lifespan during his time.
