Decimus Magnus Ausonius

Scott McGill (Rice University)

Ed. by William John Dominik, University of Otago
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.1.2: Ancient Roman Writing and Culture (Republic and Empire), -750-476.
Vol. editors: Anca Dan (École Practique de Hautes Études PSL), Martine Diepenbroek (University of Johannesburg), William John Dominik (University of Otago), Giacomo Fedeli (University of Exeter), Victoria Fendel (University of Oxford), Thomas Habinek (University of Southern California), Emily Kneebone (University of Nottingham), Elodie Paillard (University of Sydney), Sophia Papaioannou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Guendalina Daniela Maria Taietti (University of Liverpool), Jula Wildberger (American University of Paris)

Dates

Born c. 310
Died c. 394
Activity c. 330-c. 390

Places

Born in Ancient Rome (Republic & Empire)
Active in Ancient Rome (Republic & Empire)

Activities

Primary

Poet

Resources

Ausonius' Works

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Decimus Magnus Ausonius was born ca. 310 in Bordeaux to Julius Ausonius, a physician, and Aemilia Aeonia. Educated in Bordeaux and Toulouse, Ausonius became a teacher of grammar and rhetoric. After about thirty years in the profession, he was summoned ca. 367 to Trier by the emperor Valentinian I to tutor the emperor’s son Gratian. Ausonius’ strong reputation as a teacher and family connections appear to have brought about the call to the imperial court.

Ausonius went on to become much more than a tutor over the course of the 370s. His first appointment was that of quaestor of the sacred palace in 375. Upon Valentinian’s death that year and Gratian’s accession, Ausonius’ influence grew and honors increased. He held two prefectures, of Gaul and of Gaul, Italy, and Africa, and in

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1255 words

Citation: McGill, Scott. "Decimus Magnus Ausonius". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 July 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=185, accessed 25 November 2024.]