Frontinus

Porta Maggiore 030106

Sextus Julius Frontinus (c. 40 – 103 AD) was a prominent Roman statesman, author, and engineer. He is best known for his works on aqueducts, military strategy, and the management of Rome's water supply. Frontinus held several important public offices, including that of water commissioner of Rome, a position to which he was appointed by Emperor Nerva in the late 1st century AD. His treatise, De Aquaeductu Urbis Romae (On the Water Management of the City of Rome), remains a crucial source for modern understanding of ancient Roman water management techniques and the importance of water in urban planning.

Life and Career

Frontinus was born into a senatorial family around 40 AD. His early career is not well-documented, but he is known to have served with distinction in the Roman army, rising to the rank of legatus, or legion commander, by the reign of Emperor Vespasian. He was appointed as the governor of Britannia (c. 74-78 AD), where he conducted military campaigns and worked on the consolidation of Roman rule.

Upon returning to Rome, Frontinus held several high-ranking positions, including that of consul in 73 AD and again in 98 AD. His expertise and reputation for integrity led to his appointment as curator aquarum (water commissioner) by Nerva, a role in which he was responsible for overseeing Rome's aqueducts and ensuring the city's water supply.

Works

Frontinus's most famous work, De Aquaeductu Urbis Romae, provides a detailed account of the sources, distribution, and management of Rome's water supply. In this treatise, he describes the lengths of the aqueducts, their sources, and the various laws and regulations pertaining to water usage. His approach to the subject is both practical and administrative, reflecting his engineering expertise and his role as a public official.

In addition to his work on aqueducts, Frontinus wrote several books on military strategy, including Strategemata (Stratagems), which offers insights into Roman military tactics and anecdotes from historical battles. Although less well-known than his treatise on aqueducts, Strategemata is valued for its contributions to the understanding of Roman military thought.

Legacy

Frontinus's contributions to engineering and military strategy have left a lasting legacy. His systematic approach to the management of Rome's water supply has been studied by engineers and urban planners for centuries. His works on military strategy continue to be of interest to historians and military theorists. As a public servant, his dedication to the welfare of Rome and its citizens set a standard for future generations.

Frontinus's life and works provide valuable insights into Roman engineering, military strategy, and public administration. His treatise on the aqueducts of Rome, in particular, stands as a testament to the advanced level of Roman engineering and the importance of infrastructure in the administration of the empire.

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