Date of Birth: December 4, 310 AD
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 395 AD
Biography
Decimus Magnus Ausonius was a distinguished Roman poet and rhetorician, born in Bordeaux, in the Roman province of Gallia Aquitania. His works predominantly reflect the cultural and political milieu of the late Roman Empire. Ausonius served as a teacher of rhetoric in his hometown before becoming a tutor to Gratian, the future Roman Emperor. His close relationship with the imperial family catapulted him to significant political roles, including the Prefect of Gaul and eventually the Consul in 379 AD. Ausonius is well-regarded for his literary contributions which include a range of poetic forms such as epigrams, idylls, and elegies. His most famous work, “Mosella,” details a journey along the Moselle River and is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and reflective tone. Ausonius’s legacy as a poet remains influential in the study of late Roman literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Ausonius
1. Ausonius was a tutor to the future Roman Emperor Gratian, which significantly influenced his political career.
2. His famous work “Mosella” is one of the earliest examples of travel literature.
3. Ausonius held the prestigious position of Consul in 379 AD, one of the highest political offices in the Roman Empire.
4. He was a prolific writer, contributing to various genres including poetry, epigrams, and educational texts.
5. Ausonius’s works provide a critical insight into the cultural and educational practices of late antiquity.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ausonius
1. “Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.”
2. “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
3. “To teach is to learn twice.”
4. “Even in solitude, be cheerful; remembering always that you are in the presence of the universe.”
5. “The mind, not the senses, is the measure of all things.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Ausonius’s net worth is not documented in historical sources, but his position and connections suggest he was quite affluent for his time.
Children
Ausonius had a son named Hesperius, who followed in his father’s footsteps and served as a provincial governor.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography of Ausonius](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ausonius
2. [Works of Ausonius](https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Latin/Ausonius.php
3. [Analysis of Mosella](https://www.jstor.org/stable/41545434
