Asconius Pedianus
Asconius Pedianus[edit | edit source]
Quintus Asconius Pedianus (9 BC – AD 76) was a Roman historian and commentator, known for his detailed and insightful commentaries on the speeches of Cicero. His works provide valuable insights into the political and social context of the late Roman Republic.
Life[edit | edit source]
Asconius was born in Patavium, modern-day Padua, in 9 BC. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he spent much of his life in Rome, where he had access to the archives and libraries that were essential for his scholarly work. Asconius lived through the reigns of several Roman emperors, including Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.
Works[edit | edit source]
Asconius is best known for his commentaries on the speeches of Cicero, which are among the few surviving works of Roman scholarship. His commentaries cover five of Cicero's speeches:
- Pro Cornelio
- In Pisonem
- Pro Scauro
- Pro Milone
- In Toga Candida
These commentaries are invaluable for understanding the historical and political context of Cicero's orations. Asconius provides background information on the events and figures mentioned in the speeches, as well as explanations of legal and political terms.
Importance[edit | edit source]
Asconius's work is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it preserves details about the late Roman Republic that are not found in other sources. Secondly, his commentaries help modern scholars understand the rhetorical techniques and strategies employed by Cicero. Finally, Asconius's work is a testament to the scholarly activity of the early Roman Empire, showing how Roman intellectuals engaged with the literature of the past.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Although only a portion of Asconius's work survives, it has been highly influential in the study of Roman history and rhetoric. His commentaries are frequently cited by scholars and are considered essential reading for anyone studying Cicero or the late Republic.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Asconius Pedianus, Commentaries on Cicero's Speeches
- Smith, William, ed. (1870). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology
External links[edit | edit source]
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