Aulus Gellius

Auli Gellii Noctium Atticarum 1706

Aulus Gellius was a Latin author and grammarian, who is best known for his work Noctes Atticae (Attic Nights), a collection of notes on grammar, philosophy, history, antiquarianism, and other subjects, preserved in 20 books (of which the eighth is lost). Gellius lived during the 2nd century AD, a period that saw the Roman Empire at the height of its power and cultural achievement. His work provides valuable insights into the intellectual life of his time and preserves fragments of many ancient authors whose works have otherwise been lost.

Life

Little is known about the life of Aulus Gellius. He was born in Rome or perhaps in one of the Latin cities close to Rome. The exact dates of his birth and death are not known, but he is believed to have flourished during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius and the early years of Marcus Aurelius. Gellius received a comprehensive education in both Latin and Greek, studying under various tutors and traveling extensively in Greece to absorb philosophical and rhetorical teachings.

Works

The Noctes Atticae is a miscellany of 20 books, compiled by Gellius as a sort of literary diary during the winter nights he spent in Athens. The work is an eclectic collection that includes literary criticism, excerpts from historical and oratorical works, grammatical discussions, philosophical musings, and anecdotes. Through Noctes Atticae, Gellius aimed to preserve and share the knowledge he had acquired for the benefit of his children and others interested in the literary and intellectual culture of his time.

The content of Noctes Atticae is varied, reflecting Gellius's wide-ranging interests. It contains quotes and references to many authors, both well-known figures such as Plato, Homer, and Virgil, and lesser-known writers, thereby providing a valuable resource for the study of ancient literature. Gellius's work is particularly noted for its insights into the Roman education system, legal practices, and contemporary social customs.

Legacy

Aulus Gellius's Noctes Atticae has been an important source for scholars interested in the literature and culture of the Roman Empire. His compilation has preserved excerpts from the works of many ancient authors that would have otherwise been lost to history. Additionally, his discussions on various subjects contribute to our understanding of the intellectual pursuits of educated Romans in the 2nd century AD.

Gellius's style is characterized by its learnedness and the use of archaic and puristic Latin, which was typical of the Atticist movement of his time. His work has been both praised for its scholarly value and criticized for its pedantic nature. Despite these criticisms, Noctes Atticae remains a significant literary work for its contribution to the preservation of ancient knowledge and its insights into Roman society.

Influence

The influence of Aulus Gellius extends beyond the realm of classical studies. His work has been cited by authors in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, contributing to the revival of interest in ancient literature during those periods. Noctes Atticae has also been of interest to modern scholars and readers for its unique blend of literary criticism, philosophy, and cultural observation.

See Also

• Roman Literature
• Ancient Rome
• Latin Literature