Columella

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For other uses, see Columella (disambiguation).

Statue of Columella

Lucius Iunius Moderatus Columella (Gades, Hispania Baetica, 4 - ca. 70) was a Roman writer. After a career in the army (he was tribune in Syria in 35), he took up farming. His De Re Rustica in twelve volumes has been completely preserved and forms our most important source on Roman agriculture, together with the works of Cato the Elder and Varro, both of which he occasionally cites. A smaller book on trees (De Arboribus) has been preserved as well.

In addition, Columella used many sources no longer extant, to which he is one of the few references: Aulus Cornelius Celsus, the Carthaginian writer Mago, Tremellius Scrofa, and many Greek sources are included. His uncle Marcus Columella, "a clever man and an exceptional farmer" (VII.2.30), had conducted experiments in sheep breeding, crossing colourful wild rams, introduced from Africa for gladiatorial games, with domestic sheep; he very likely influenced his nephew's interests. Columella owned farms in Italy — he refers specifically to properties of his at Ardea, Carseoli, and Alba (R.R. III.9.2)— and speaks repeatedly of his own practical experience in agriculture.

The book is presented as advice to a certain Publius Silvinus.

Structure of De Re Rustica ("Agriculture"):

soils
viticulture
fruits
olive trees
6: big animals: cattle, horses and mules
7: small animals: asses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs
8: Fish and fowl: Chickens, doves, thrushes, peacocks, Numidian chicken and guinea fowl, geese, ducks, fish ponds
9: wild animals: enclosures for wild animals, bee-keeping, production of honey and wax
10: gardens
personnel management
calendars
managing the household