 |
Poggio BraccioliniA prominent Italian humanist, writer and collector of ancient manuscripts
Date of Birth: 11.02.1380
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Poggio Bracciolini: A Renaissance Scholar and Collector
- Early Life and Education
- Service in Rome and Florence
- Manuscript Discoveries
- The Discovery of Lucretius's "De Rerum Natura"
- Archaeological Excavations
- Family Life
Poggio Bracciolini: A Renaissance Scholar and Collector
Poggio Bracciolini (1380-1459) was an esteemed Italian humanist, writer, and collector of ancient manuscripts.
Early Life and Education
Born in Terra Nuova, Tuscany, to an apothecary, Bracciolini studied notarial law at the University of Florence. He became acquainted with the humanist circle led by Coluccio Salutati.
Service in Rome and Florence
On Salutati's recommendation, Bracciolini joined the Roman Curia in 1403, where he served intermittently until 1453. From 1453 to 1458, he held the position of chancellor in Florence.
Manuscript Discoveries
Bracciolini traveled extensively throughout Europe, seeking out rare and forgotten manuscripts in monastic libraries. Among his remarkable finds were works by Vegetius, Marcus Manilius, Ammianus Marcellinus, Vitruvius, Petronius, Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria," and Statius's "Silvae."
The Discovery of Lucretius's "De Rerum Natura"
In 1417, Bracciolini made the astounding discovery of a complete manuscript of Lucretius's philosophical poem "De Rerum Natura," which had been lost since the fall of the Roman Empire.
Archaeological Excavations
In collaboration with Cosimo de Medici, Bracciolini conducted archaeological excavations in the ancient ruins of Ostia in 1427.
Family Life
At the age of 56, Bracciolini married an 18-year-old woman who bore him six children. He had previously fathered fourteen illegitimate children.
