# Marcus Terentius Varro > Roman scholar, polymath and author (116–27 BC) **Wikidata**: [Q206119](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206119) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Terentius_Varro) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marcus-terentius-varro ## Summary Marcus Terentius Varro (116–27 BC) was a Roman scholar, polymath, and author renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge and contributions to Latin literature, grammar, and agriculture. He is widely recognized as one of the most prolific and influential writers of ancient Rome. His works, particularly *De lingua Latina* and *De re rustica*, remain foundational texts in the study of Latin language and Roman agronomy. ## Biography - Born: 116 BC - Nationality: Ancient Rome - Education: Not specified - Known for: Prolific Roman author and scholar of Latin grammar, history, and agriculture - Employer(s): Not specified - Field(s): Literature, Grammar, History, Agriculture ## Contributions Marcus Terentius Varro was a Roman polymath whose works spanned multiple disciplines, including grammar, history, and agriculture. His major contributions include: - *De lingua Latina* – A comprehensive treatise on Latin grammar and etymology, considered one of the most important works in Latin philology. - *De re rustica* – A treatise on agriculture, written in 37 BC, which became a key text in Roman agrarian studies. - Numerous other works, now lost, covered a wide range of subjects including law, philosophy, and history, establishing him as one of Rome's most learned men. ## FAQs ### Who was Marcus Terentius Varro? Marcus Terentius Varro was a Roman scholar, writer, and polymath known for his extensive literary output, particularly in the fields of Latin grammar, history, and agriculture. ### What are Marcus Terentius Varro's most famous works? His most notable surviving works include *De lingua Latina*, a foundational text in Latin grammar, and *De re rustica*, a treatise on agriculture. ### What fields did Marcus Terentius Varro contribute to? Varro contributed to grammar, literature, history, and agriculture, among other disciplines, earning him recognition as a polymath. ### What is the significance of *De lingua Latina*? *De lingua Latina* is a critical work in Latin philology, offering one of the earliest and most detailed analyses of Latin grammar and etymology. ### What is the importance of *De re rustica*? *De re rustica* is a foundational agricultural treatise that influenced Roman and later European agricultural literature and practice. ### Was Marcus Terentius Varro a military man? There is no direct evidence that Varro served in the military, though he was involved in public life and may have held minor civic roles. ### What is the legacy of Marcus Terentius Varro? Varro's legacy includes his encyclopedic approach to knowledge, his influence on Latin literature, and his role in systematizing Roman understanding of language and agriculture. ## Why They Matter Marcus Terentius Varro's influence spans centuries, primarily due to his foundational contributions to Latin grammar and Roman agricultural science. His *De lingua Latina* remains one of the most important sources for understanding the evolution of Latin, while *De re rustica* is a cornerstone of ancient agrarian literature. His work influenced later grammarians, historians, and encyclopedists, including those in the medieval and Renaissance periods. Without Varro's meticulous documentation and systematization of Latin, the preservation and understanding of classical language would be significantly impaired. ## Notable For - Authoring *De lingua Latina*, a foundational work in Latin grammar - Writing *De re rustica*, a key agricultural treatise - Being one of the most prolific authors of ancient Rome - Influencing the development of Latin lexicography and grammar - Producing works that spanned multiple disciplines including history, law, and philosophy - Serving as a model for later encyclopedic writers ## Body ### Early Life and Background Marcus Terentius Varro was born in 116 BC in the town of Reate (modern-day Arpino), making him a native of Ancient Rome. He was a Roman citizen and became one of the most learned men of his time. His early education and formative years are not well-documented, but his later works suggest a deep grounding in Roman and Greek literature, rhetoric, and philosophy. ### Career and Contributions Varro was a prolific writer, producing over 74 works, though many are now lost. His surviving works include: - *De lingua Latina* – A treatise on Latin grammar and etymology, written in nine books. It is one of the most important sources for understanding the structure and history of the Latin language. - *De re rustica* – A treatise on agriculture, written in 37 BC, which became a standard reference for Roman agricultural practices. ### Fields of Expertise Varro was a polymath whose expertise spanned: - Grammar and linguistics - History and chronology - Agriculture - Philosophy - Literature ### Literary Legacy Varro's literary output was immense. He was known for his encyclopedic approach, compiling knowledge from various fields into comprehensive treatises. His *Disciplinarum libri IX* (Nine Books of Disciplines) categorized the branches of knowledge, influencing later educational systems. He also wrote *Rerum humanarum libri* (Books on Human Affairs), which dealt with human history and culture. ### Influence and Recognition Varro's influence extended beyond his lifetime. His *De lingua Latina* was used by later grammarians and scholars to understand classical Latin. His *De re rustica* was a standard reference for agricultural practices in the Roman world and beyond. Medieval and Renaissance scholars frequently cited his works, and his approach to organizing knowledge influenced later encyclopedic traditions. ### Notable Works #### *De lingua Latina* This work is a comprehensive study of Latin grammar and etymology. It is divided into nine books, each focusing on different aspects of the language. It remains one of the most important sources for Latin philology and influenced later grammarians significantly. #### *De re rustica* Written in 37 BC, this treatise on agriculture is one of the few surviving examples of Roman agricultural literature. It was widely read and cited in later periods, particularly during the Renaissance, when it influenced agricultural practices and scholarly discourse. ### Recognition and Legacy Varro's contributions were recognized by his contemporaries and later scholars alike. His approach to knowledge systematization and his detailed grammatical and agricultural works established him as one of the most important figures in Roman intellectual history. His influence extended into the medieval period and beyond, with his works being copied, translated, and referenced by scholars across Europe. ### Death and Historical Impact Varro died in 27 BC. His works continued to be studied and referenced for centuries. His influence on Latin literature, grammar, and agricultural science remains evident in the continued study and citation of his texts. His approach to organizing knowledge and his detailed scholarly works established him as a foundational figure in Western intellectual history. ### Modern Relevance Today, Varro is remembered as one of the most prolific and influential Roman scholars. His works are studied for their linguistic, historical, and cultural insights. The genus *Varroa*, a mite affecting bees, was named in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact on scientific nomenclature. His legacy is preserved in the continued use of his grammatical and agricultural treatises as reference points in classical and historical studies. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Perseus Catalog 3. Library of the World's Best Literature 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. BnF authorities 6. CiNii Research 7. Digital Prosopography of the Roman Republic 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 9. Virtual International Authority File 10. Dictionnaire des philosophes antiques II 11. Dictionnaire des philosophes antiques I 12. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Varro%20Marcus%20Terentius) 13. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index16.html) 14. CONOR.SI 15. Autoritats UB 16. CERL Thesaurus 17. Shakeosphere 18. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 19. Enciclopedia Treccani 20. LIBRIS. 2015 21. Dizionario di Storia 22. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 23. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno 24. HMML Authority File 25. Clavis Historicorum Antiquitatis Posterioris 26. Digital Scriptorium Catalog