Valerius Maximus

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Simon de Hesdin presents his translation of Valerius Maximus' 'Facta et dicta memorabilia' to Charles V, king of France

Valerius Maximus was a Latin writer and author of a collection of historical anecdotes: Factorum et dictorum memorabilium libri IX (Nine Books of Memorable Acts and Sayings), often referred to simply as Memorabilia. He wrote this work during the reign of Tiberius (AD 14–37), dedicating it to the Roman senator Gaius Iulius Caesar. Valerius Maximus' compilation is a valuable source of Roman history, Roman culture, and Roman religion, providing insights into the moral and social values of ancient Rome.

Life

Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus. His dates of birth and death are not recorded, but his work suggests he lived through the reign of Tiberius. It is believed he had a background in rhetoric and was possibly involved in the Roman administrative and political system, which would explain his interest in the moralistic and exemplary stories of Rome's past.

Work

Factorum et dictorum memorabilium libri IX is organized into nine books, each divided into chapters that are grouped by thematic categories such as courage, justice, piety, and fortitude. This structure made it a useful tool for rhetoricians, moralists, and historians interested in the moral exempla of the past. Valerius Maximus' work draws from a wide range of sources, including historiography, oratory, and poetry, showcasing the breadth of Roman literary culture.

The anecdotes Valerius Maximus compiled range from the early days of the Roman Republic to his contemporary Roman Empire, featuring stories of famous Romans and notable foreigners. His collection has been criticized for historical inaccuracies and his uncritical use of sources. However, it remains an important testament to the Roman values of his time, reflecting the moral and ethical concerns that were prevalent in the early Imperial period.

Legacy

Valerius Maximus' Memorabilia was widely read throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, serving as a source of moral exempla for preachers, writers, and educators. His influence can be seen in the works of medieval and Renaissance authors who sought to impart moral lessons through historical examples.

In modern scholarship, Valerius Maximus' work is studied for its insights into Roman thought and values, as well as its influence on later literature and historiography. Despite the criticisms of his methodology, his compilation provides a rich tapestry of Roman life and ideology, offering glimpses into the complexities of Roman society and the moral imperatives that guided it.

See Also

• Roman literature
• Historiography of Rome
• Moral philosophy