While he was born a slave in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern Turkey), he was later freed and became a Stoic philosopher. He didn't write any books himself, but his teachings were recorded by his student Arrian in a work called "Discourses" and "Enchiridion."
Epictetus's philosophy focused on accepting what you can't control and focusing on what you can. This focus on self-control and acceptance made him a very influential figure in Stoicism.