# Marcus Manilius

> 1st century Roman writer

**Wikidata**: [Q352684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q352684)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Manilius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marcus-manilius

## Summary
Marcus Manilius was a 1st-century Roman poet, writer, and astrologer best known for his Latin didactic poem *Astronomica*, a comprehensive work on celestial phenomena and astrology. His contributions to Roman literature and astrological thought have left a lasting mark on both fields.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1st century AD (exact date unknown)
- **Nationality**: Roman (Ancient Rome)
- **Known for**: Authoring *Astronomica*, a 1st-century Latin didactic poem on celestial phenomena
- **Field(s)**: Poetry, astrology, astronomy

## Contributions
Marcus Manilius is primarily known for *Astronomica*, a five-book Latin didactic poem written in the 1st century AD. This work systematically explores celestial phenomena, astrological principles, and the influence of the stars on human affairs. It remains one of the most detailed surviving texts on ancient astrology and has been studied for its poetic and scientific content.

## FAQs
**What is Marcus Manilius best known for?**
Marcus Manilius is best known for his *Astronomica*, a 1st-century Latin didactic poem that delves into celestial phenomena and astrological theories.

**What was the significance of *Astronomica*?**
*Astronomica* is one of the most comprehensive ancient texts on astrology, blending poetic expression with scientific and philosophical ideas about the cosmos.

**Was Marcus Manilius only a poet?**
No, he was also an astrologer and writer, with *Astronomica* serving as both a literary and scientific work.

## Why They Matter
Marcus Manilius's *Astronomica* bridges poetry and astrology, offering insights into Roman intellectual thought. His work influenced later astrological traditions and remains a key text for understanding ancient cosmology.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Astronomica*, a foundational text in ancient astrology
- Being one of the few Roman poets to focus extensively on celestial phenomena
- His work's enduring influence on both literature and astrological studies

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Marcus Manilius was a Roman writer active in the 1st century AD. Little is known about his personal life, but his work *Astronomica* suggests a deep engagement with both poetry and astrology.

### *Astronomica*: The Defining Work
*Astronomica* is a five-book Latin didactic poem that explores the movements of celestial bodies, astrological principles, and their perceived influence on human destiny. Written in the early 1st century AD, it stands as one of the most detailed surviving texts on ancient astrology. The poem blends scientific observation with poetic imagery, reflecting the Roman fascination with the cosmos.

### Influence and Legacy
Manilius's work has been studied for its literary and scientific value. While not as widely read as other Roman poets, *Astronomica* remains a critical source for understanding ancient astrological beliefs. His name is also commemorated in the lunar crater *Manilius*, named in his honor.

### Occupations and Fields
Manilius was a poet, writer, and astrologer, contributing to both literary and scientific discourse in Ancient Rome. His work reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Roman scholarship, where poetry and science often intersected.

### Notable Works
- *Astronomica* (1st century AD) – A Latin didactic poem on celestial phenomena and astrology.

### Recognition
- The lunar crater *Manilius* is named after him, acknowledging his contributions to astrological and astronomical thought.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Mirabile: Digital Archives for Medieval Culture
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. CiNii Research
6. MusicBrainz
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/authorities/305863)
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Manilius%20Marcus)
11. CONOR.SI
12. Autoritats UB
13. Shakeosphere
14. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
15. LIBRIS. 2018
16. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
17. Digital Scriptorium Catalog