Ausonius of Bordeaux
Genesis of a Gallic Aristocracy
View 'Ausonius of Bordeaux' online (Google books)
Bordeaux and its river, the Garonne, by moonlight. Perhaps the inspiration for Ausonius’ cheery verses to his little Bissula and for his lengthy poem on the river Moselle.
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Very little is left of the Roman city that Ausonius knew so well. We have drawing of a magnificent temple (Piliers de tutelle) destroyed in the 17th century by order of Louis XIV. All we have are engravings
The following is an article in French containing excellent images of this gem of a temple.
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I have always been fascinated by spectacular academic careers–how did (do) they do it? Ausonius was by training a teacher and by choice a rather capable poet. His pedagogical and poetic reputation gained him entry to the imperial court where he tutored the heir to the imperial throne. In 379 CE Ausonius was rewarded with the consulship, the highest civilian honor to which an individual could aspire. Along the road to fame and fortune Ausonius did his best to advance relatives and friends. There is no denying that several of his poems are quite charming, not the least the astonishing panegyric of the river Moselle, the touching verses honoring his father and the delighting lines dedicated to his Bissula.
That Ausonius has not been forgotten is clearly seen in the excellent, and rather expensive wine named after him. “one of only four wines, along with Château Angélus, Château Cheval Blanc and Château Pavie to be ranked Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) in the Classification of Saint-Émilion wine” (from Wikipedia). 2001 Chateau Ausone costs…$ 1249.97!!!
Ausonius further lent his name to the Institute of Research of Antiquity and the Middle Ages at the University of Bordeaux (Talence) as well as to a magnificent series of excellent publications.
VALE!