594 DOMINIK OPATRNY ´ this study was to point out our clichés about blind people in Antiq- uity and to show the examples of those who faced their fate actively. It emerges that, when interpreting the biblical narratives about blind men it is necessary to ask what their actual status was. Palacky University Olomouc ´ Dominik OPATRNY ´ Univerzitní 22 771 11 Olomouc Czech Republic SUMMARY This article presents the status of a blind man in ancient society. There are three characteristics often associated with blind persons in the Bible: anonymity, pas- sivity and beggary. The aim of this study is to confront these characteristics with the evidence found in Greek papyri. The author discusses both similar and opposite cases and comes to a more detailed conclusion on the situation of these people.