Optatus (fl. 388?–398 CE) was the Donatist (Donatism/Donatists) bishop of Thamugadi (Timgad), a prominent Roman military colony founded by the emperor Trajan inland among the Aurès mountain range. His episcopacy, which according to Augustine of Hippo spanned at least a decade (Aug. Parm. 2.2.4; C. litt. Petil. 1.24.26), or from approximately 388 to 398 CE, presided over a critical period in Donatist history. The details of Optatus’ life and character are only known to us through the writings of Augus…