Gargilius Martialis: The Agricultural Fragments

In the third century CE, Q. Gargilius Martialis wrote a treatise on the cultivation and medical use of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The agricultural writings are noteworthy for their meticulous research and the application of independent judgement and experience. This volume offers a new edition and English translation of Gargilius' agricultural fragments, as well as an introduction and full-scale commentary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 421 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the third century CE, the remarkable polymath, soldier, and provincial official Q. Gargilius Martialis, who passed away in 260, penned a comprehensive treatise on the cultivation and medicinal applications of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. While the agricultural portion of this work remains in a fragmented state, preserved in a single manuscript, it is noteworthy for its meticulous research and the application of independent judgment and experience. Gargilius presents his advice in a stylized and literary manner, aiming for elegance through prose rhythm, rhetorical variation, and figurative language.

The fragments contained within this volume will be of immense value to scholars interested in ancient agriculture, Greco-Roman authorship on the technai or artes, and the history and sociolinguistics of Latin. Moreover, this volume presents a new edition and the first English translation of Gargilius' agricultural fragments, accompanied by an introduction and comprehensive commentary.

The treatise by Gargilius Martialis, titled Horti Medici, offers a comprehensive exploration of the cultivation and medicinal uses of various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The author's expertise in agriculture and medicine is evident in his detailed descriptions and practical advice. Gargilius meticulously researched the properties and benefits of each plant, drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience.

One of the notable features of Gargilius' work is his emphasis on independent judgment and experience. He encouraged his readers to rely on their observations and experiences rather than blindly following traditional practices. This approach reflects the author's belief in the value of personal knowledge and the importance of adapting practices to individual circumstances.

Gargilius' writing style is characterized by elegance and literary flair. He employs prose rhythm, rhetorical variation, and figurative language to convey his ideas and make his treatise more engaging and accessible. The use of metaphors and similes helps to illustrate the characteristics and benefits of different plants, making it easier for readers to understand and apply the author's advice.

The agricultural writings of Gargilius Martialis are particularly noteworthy for their meticulous research and the application of independent judgment and experience. Despite the fragmentary state of the manuscript, the author's clear marks of meticulous research and the application of independent judgement and experience are evident. The author's attention to detail and commitment to providing accurate information make his work a valuable resource for scholars interested in ancient agriculture and medicine.

In addition to its agricultural content, Gargilius' treatise also offers insights into the history and sociolinguistics of Latin. The author's use of Latin throughout the work reflects the language's importance in the Roman Empire and its role as a means of communication and knowledge dissemination. Gargilius' treatise demonstrates the author's proficiency in Latin and his ability to convey his ideas effectively to a wide audience.

The fragments of Gargilius' treatise will be valuable to scholars interested in ancient agriculture, Greco-Roman authorship on the technai or artes, and the history and sociolinguistics of Latin. The new edition and English translation provided in this volume make the author's work more accessible to a broader audience, allowing scholars to explore the rich insights and practical advice contained within it.

In conclusion, the treatise by Gargilius Martialis, titled Horti Medici, is a remarkable contribution to the field of agriculture and medicine. The author's meticulous research, emphasis on independent judgment and experience, and literary style make his work a valuable resource for scholars interested in ancient agriculture, Greco-Roman authorship, and the history and sociolinguistics of Latin. The fragments contained within this volume offer a glimpse into the author's knowledge and expertise, and their significance will continue to be recognized and appreciated for generations to come.

ISBN-13: 9781108718622