Aulus Gellius

Aulus Gellius (also mistakenly called in the Middle Ages Agellius ) was a Latin writer of the 2nd century. He wrote the work Noctes Atticae.

Life

Aulus Gellius probably 130 AD was born. The birthplace of Rome is controversial in research. Also being discussed an origin in the province of Africa. Sure Gellius, however, has spent most of his life in the capital of the Roman Empire, and there is probably also died. From his work, his year of birth can be dated to 130, which is also commonly confirmed by modern research. Previous events ( 107-120 AD) consider not only Gellius ' own statements, other sources, but which have no relevance safe. Even on his death year ( probably around 180 AD ) can only be speculated.

About Gellius ' person and life, there is only information from his own anecdotal evidence. He studied in Rome with Gaius grammar Modestus Sidonius Apollinaris Sollius and rhetoric probably at Antonius Julianus, but also to Marcus Cornelius Fronto, so that he received a very good education. In Rome he was elected judge of the iudicia privata later.

Around the age of 30 years - at least in the years 165 to 167 - Aulus Gellius stayed for further studies, such as that of philosophy in Athens. There he became a pupil of the philosopher Taurus, a Platonist, who ran a private school of philosophy. He became a friend of the politician and philanthropist Herodes Atticus, who was also a student of the Taurus. With Apuleius he is most likely in Rome ( at a joint sponsor? ) Become known. The famous philosopher and sophist Favorinus of Arelate exerted a great influence on him; Gellius called him a homo ille fandi dulcissimus.

Noctes Atticae

→ Main article: Noctes Atticae

For editions and translations of Gellius ' Noctes see work Atticae.