Aulus Gellius

Date of Birth: c. 125 AD

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 180 AD

Biography

Aulus Gellius was a Latin author and grammarian who lived during the 2nd century AD. He is best known for his work “Noctes Atticae” (Attic Nights), which is a compilation of notes on grammar, philosophy, history, and various other subjects that he compiled during the long winter nights in Attica. Gellius was born into a well-to-do Roman family and received an excellent education, studying under some of the most notable scholars of his time, including Sulpicius Apollinaris and Favorinus. His extensive travels across the Roman Empire allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge, which he meticulously recorded in his writings. “Noctes Atticae” remains an important source for information about the intellectual life of the 2nd century Roman world and provides valuable insights into the education, culture, and daily life of the era.

5 Interesting Facts about Aulus Gellius

1. Aulus Gellius studied in both Rome and Athens, which were the leading centers of learning during his time.

2. His work “Noctes Atticae” is a collection of 20 books, though not all volumes have survived to the present day.

3. Gellius was known for his eclectic interests, which ranged from philosophy and literature to law and science.

4. He often cited and discussed the works of earlier authors, making his writings a treasure trove of quotations and references from otherwise lost works.

5. Gellius’s method of writing was unique for his time, as he often interwove personal anecdotes with scholarly discussions, making his work both informative and engaging.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Aulus Gellius

1. “The study of letters is a laborious idleness.”

2. “No man was ever so completely skilled in the conduct of life, as not to receive new information from age and experience.”

3. “Truth is the mother of hatred.”

4. “Memory is not so brilliant as hope, but it is more beautiful, and a thousand times more true.”

5. “There is nothing more hostile to a firm grasp on the truth than self-deception.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The concept of net worth is anachronistic for Aulus Gellius as he lived in the 2nd century AD. However, he was likely well-off, given his extensive education and ability to travel.

Children

There is no historical record of Aulus Gellius having children. His personal life remains largely obscure, with most of the known information focusing on his scholarly work.