Guy Atey Kapiton A Roman writer and statesman during the reign of Augustus, and also a famous lawyer. Country: Italy

1. Ateius Capito: Roman Statesman, Jurist, and Founder of a Legal School
2. Early Life and Political Career
3. Later Appointments and Accomplishments
4. Sabinian Legal School and Legacy

Ateius Capito: Roman Statesman, Jurist, and Founder of a Legal School

Ateius Capito, a prominent Roman writer, statesman, and renowned jurist of the Augustan era, lived a life marked by loyalty to emperors and a rivalry with his fellow legal expert.

Early Life and Political Career

Capito, born to former praetor Lucius Ateius Capito and the grandson of a centurion in Sulla's army, demonstrated a loyal and accommodating nature that earned him imperial favor. He competed with the esteemed jurist Antistius Labeo, a rivalry that extended beyond the courtroom.

In 17 BCE, at the request of Emperor Augustus, Capito provided a legal interpretation of the Sibylline Prophecy regarding the Secular Games. He became suffect consul in 5 BCE, appointed ahead of his rival Labeo despite the latter's seniority as praetor.

Later Appointments and Accomplishments

From 13 CE, Capito served as curator of aqueducts. Two years later, he became curator of the banks and riverbed of the Tiber. Together with his colleague Arruntius, he proposed a plan to dam the Tiber's tributaries, but it was rejected due to protests from municipalities and colonies.

Sabinian Legal School and Legacy

Capito's influence extended to the legal realm. He founded the Sabinian school of jurisprudence (named after Massurius Sabinus, possibly his student), a rival to Labeo's Proculeian school. While Capito himself faded into relative obscurity after his death, his writings remained influential, particularly among lexicographers such as Sextus Pompeius Festus and Verrius Flaccus.

Capito's literary output included extensive works, such as his "Miscellaneous Notes" (at least 9 books), which encompassed "On the Execution of Senatorial Duties," "On Criminal Proceedings," and "On Sacred Law" (7 books). Preserved fragments of his writings illuminate aspects of augural law.