Factorum ac dictorum memorabilium libri IX

The Factorum ac dictorum memorabilium libri IX ( "Nine books remind cheaper deeds and sayings ", also known as De factis dictisque memorabilibus or Facta et dicta memorabilia ) of Valerius Maximus (ca. 20 BC- 50 AD. ) Were about 30 or 31 AD. written under the reign of Emperor Tiberius and are a collection of about a thousand short stories. They are mainly anecdotes that illustrate the life of the Romans in the Early Republic; but there are also some " foreign ", principally derived from the Greek space periods.

Some stories deal with similar topics to be taken up in the Old and New Testaments later. According to Valerius, these so-called " Exempla " role model to his contemporaries. His work enjoyed until the beginning of the Enlightenment great popularity, which corresponds to an effective history of 1700 years. They read his work to consult on personal issues, historical models, but was also public speakers very useful.

An estimated Valerius worked for ten years in his work. His sources were, among others, Cicero, Livy, Sallust, Trogus Pompeius, Marcus Terentius Varro and other historians. Each of the nine books is divided into several chapters. The chapter is organized according to the theme. Valerius work is the first that makes use of a hierarchical structure system. In the total of 91 chapters, large areas of the former Roman life are covered.

Valerius treated in his book, different topics, such as the importance of omens and auspices in Roman religion, but also of virtues such as modesty, generosity, gentleness and compassion and gratitude / ingratitude or social issues such as the proper education and the role of women and of homosexuality. In his books can also be numerous allusions to the political situation at that time find.

Other topics

  • Bravery
  • Cruelty
  • Loyalty
  • Friendship
  • Inherent properties
  • Moderation
  • Modesty
  • Omen
  • Parental love
  • Physical similarities
  • Prestige
  • Revenge
  • Superstition

Swell

  • Valerius Maximus: Factorum ac dictorum memorabilium libri IX text
  • Valerius Maximus: Latin text at The Latin Library
Old Testament Integrated Authority File
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