Cornelius Nepos

Date of Birth: c. 110 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 25 BCE

Biography

Cornelius Nepos was an ancient Roman biographer born in Hostilia, a small town in the region of Cisalpine Gaul, near modern-day Verona, Italy. He lived during the 1st century BCE, a time of significant political and cultural change in Rome. Nepos is best known for his work “De Viris Illustribus” (“On Famous Men”), a collection of biographies of notable Greeks and Romans. His detailed accounts provided insights into the lives and achievements of many prominent figures, including military leaders, philosophers, and statesmen. Nepos was a contemporary and friend of notable figures like Cicero and Catullus. His works are considered an important source of historical information and offer a unique perspective on the values and accomplishments of ancient Rome and Greece.

5 Interesting Facts about Cornelius Nepos

1. Cornelius Nepos was one of the earliest Roman biographers and is often credited with pioneering the genre of biography in Latin literature.

2. He was a close friend of the poet Catullus, who dedicated several poems to Nepos.

3. Nepos’s work “De Viris Illustribus” is divided into several books, each focusing on different categories of eminent men, such as foreign generals, Roman generals, historians, and poets.

4. His biography of Hannibal is one of the most detailed surviving accounts of the Carthaginian general’s life.

5. Despite his significant contributions to literature, much of Nepos’s work has been lost, and only parts of “De Viris Illustribus” have survived to modern times.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cornelius Nepos

1. “The power of habit is great.”

2. “He who has learned to obey will know how to command.”

3. “No one is content with his lot, but everyone is content with his wit.”

4. “The wise man is always similar to himself.”

5. “Fortune cannot aid those who do nothing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As Cornelius Nepos lived in ancient Rome, there are no records of his net worth in modern terms. However, his friendships with prominent figures suggest he was well-respected and likely enjoyed a comfortable status.