CORNELIUS NEPOS Meaning and
Definition
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Cornelius Nepos was a Roman historian and biographer who lived during the late Republic period, specifically in the 1st century BC. He was born in Cisalpine Gaul, an area that is now part of northern Italy, and is primarily known for his works on biography.
Nepos gained fame for his collection of biographies titled "De Viris Illustribus" (On Illustrious Men), which comprised the biographies of famous Greeks and Romans. This work consisted of 16 books, but unfortunately, only fragments and parts of his works have survived through the centuries.
His approach to biography was distinctive, as he focused on the personal qualities and character of individuals rather than on political and military achievements alone. He believed that understanding the moral and ethical aspects of a person's life was crucial for comprehending their overall significance. This approach allowed him to shed light on the personalities and characters of major figures who played significant roles in Roman history.
Cornelius Nepos' works were highly regarded during ancient times, and even today, his writings are considered valuable sources for understanding the political, social, and cultural context of the late Republican period. Despite the loss of much of his work, his influence on future biographers and historians is evident, and his contributions to the field of biography are noteworthy.
Common Misspellings for CORNELIUS NEPOS
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Etymology of CORNELIUS NEPOS
The word "Cornelius Nepos" has its origin in Latin.
The word "Cornelius" is a Roman nomen, which is a family name that denotes membership in a specific gens (clan) within Roman society. It comes from the Latin "cornu" meaning "horn", and the suffix "-elius" indicates a descendant or belonging to a particular family.
The word "Nepos" is a Latin cognomen, which is an additional name that distinguishes an individual within a gens. The exact origin of the word "Nepos" is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the Latin "neque" meaning "not" and "possum" meaning "I am able" or "I can". Hence, "Nepos" might convey the idea of "unsuccessful" or "unworthy", although this interpretation is speculative.
Similar spelling word for CORNELIUS NEPOS
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