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Cornelius NeposA Roman historian, originally from Upper Italy, a friend of Atticus, Cicero, Catullus (Catullus dedicated a book of his poems to him), lived between 99 and 24 BC.
Country:
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Content:
- Cornelius Nepos
- Early Works and Chronica
- Exempla and Major Works
- Fragments and Use in Education
- Famous Saying and Influence
- Russian Translations
Cornelius Nepos
Cornelius Nepos was a Roman historian born in Cisalpine Gaul (northern Italy) who lived between 99 and 24 BCE. He was a close friend of Atticus, Cicero, and Catullus, who dedicated a book of his poems to him.
Early Works and Chronica
Nepos's first known work was a three-book chronica covering Roman history. Later, he wrote under the influence of Varro, preferring to focus on cultural history and moralizing biographies.
Exempla and Major Works
This period saw the production of his five-book Exempla, detailed biographies of Cato the Elder and Cicero, and his most extensive work, De viris illustribus (On Illustrious Men). This 16-book work featured parallel biographies of Romans and foreigners.
Fragments and Use in Education
Fragments also survive from his De latinis historicis (On Latin Historians) and De excellentibus ducibus exterarum gentium (On Great Foreign Generals). Nepos's simple and correct style led to his works being traditionally used in Latin education alongside Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars.
Famous Saying and Influence
Nepos is credited with the famous saying, "Si vis pacem, para bellum" (If you want peace, prepare for war). His works were published by various scholars and influenced Russian education in the 19th century, with his book being reprinted in the original language with annotations.
Russian Translations
Nepos's works were translated into Russian in a manuscript by I. G. Pauze in 1705. The first printed Russian translation appeared in 1748 by V. Lebedev.
