, the most celebrated of the Roman historians, was born at Patavium,
, the most celebrated of the Roman
historians, was born at Patavium, or Padua, and descended
from an illustrious family, which had given several consuls
to Rome. Few circumstances of his life are known, as
none of the ancients have left any thing about it; and so
reserved has he been with regard to himself, that we should
be at a loss to determine the time when his history was
written, if it were not for one passage which seems to
prove that he was employed on it about the year of Rome
730. He was then at Rome, where he long resided; and
some have supposed that he was known to Augustus before,
by certain dialogues, which he had dedicated to him.
Seneca, without noticing the dedication, mentions these
dialogues, whjch he calls historical and philosophical; and
also some books, written purposely on the subject of philosophy. All this appears doubtful, but there is reason
to think that he began his history as soon as he was settled
at Rome; and he seems to have devoted himself entirely
to it. The tumults and distractions of that city frequently
obliged him to retire to Naples, not only that he might be
less interrupted in his historical labours, but enjoy that
tranquillity which he could not have at Rome. He appears
to have been much dissatisfied with the manners of his
age, and tells us, that “he should reap this reward of his
labour, in composing the Roman history, that it would
take his attention from the present numerous evils, at least
while he was employed upon the first and earliest ages.
”