Marcus Terentius Varro

Marco Terenzio Varrone

Statua di Marco Terenzio Varrone (Rieti) 02

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Birdhouse at Casinum

Marcus Terentius Varro (116–27 BC) was a Roman scholar and writer, often hailed as one of the most learned men of his time. Varro's work spans a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, religion, agriculture, grammar, and antiquities. Despite the vastness of his work, only a fraction has survived to the present day, most notably his treatise on agriculture, De Re Rustica, and his work on the Latin language, De Lingua Latina.

Life

Marcus Terentius Varro was born in the Roman town of Reate into a family of equestrian rank. His life spanned the tumultuous periods of the Roman Republic, witnessing the dictatorship of Sulla, the Pirate War, the Spartacus uprising, and the formation of the First Triumvirate. Varro supported Pompey during the civil war against Julius Caesar, but after Pompey's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus, he was pardoned by Caesar. Under the patronage of Caesar, he was put in charge of establishing a public library, a project that was not completed due to Caesar's assassination.

Works

Varro's scholarly output was immense, reportedly authoring over 74 works encompassing hundreds of volumes. However, the majority of these works are lost, with only De Re Rustica and De Lingua Latina surviving in a more or less complete form.

De Re Rustica

De Re Rustica is a comprehensive guide on ancient farming practices, covering topics such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and garden management. The work is structured as a dialogue between three characters, each representing different aspects of farming. It is valued not only for its insights into ancient agricultural techniques but also for its reflections on rural life and philosophy.

De Lingua Latina

De Lingua Latina is Varro's treatise on the Latin language, discussing its grammar, etymology, and usage. Although only six of the original 25 books survive, the work is a crucial source for understanding the development of Latin and its linguistic structure.

Legacy

Varro's influence on later generations is profound. His works were studied and referenced by many Roman authors, including Cicero and Saint Augustine. During the Renaissance, his writings, especially on agriculture, were rediscovered and became essential references for scholars. Varro's methodologies in studying language and history laid the groundwork for modern philology and historiography.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Latin literature
• Agriculture in ancient Rome