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 …
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1255 words
Citation: McGill, Scott. "Decimus Magnus Ausonius". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 July 2012 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=185, accessed 22 November 2024.]
