Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, Architectural Origins, Architecture Article

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio : Origins of the Architect

Architecture Discussion by Ian K Whittaker

12 Jun + 21 Jan 2013

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Origin

Article by Ian K Whittaker

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio – A possible explanation of his name and a timeline for his life

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio

photo : Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Background

Architecture has its written western origins within the text of De Architectura but the author of the text, remains obscure.

An examination of the praenomen, ‘Marcus’ and cognomen, ‘Pollio’, parts of the name can indicate birth and family details as well as a potential description. However the nomen by which he is commonly referred to ‘Vitruvius’,remains obscure and so it warrants further contextual examination.

This can be achieved by examination of the manuscripts, his apparent name structure, and a timeline of his life including known historical events and people.

Examining the author of De Architectura in these contexts extends the current limited viewpoint, through interpolation, into multiple contextual interpretations.

In creating this timeline I hope that this examination can be taken further to fix the origins of the author of De Architectura and the documents that have established Western Architecture.

Oldest Manuscript

The oldest extant version of De Architectura, the Harley 2767 manuscript in the British Library, from the abbey of St. Pantaleon, Cologne,may, through interpretation, provide a translation of the actual ’Vitruvius’, as ‘uiTRuuii’. The word ‘uitruuii’ in relation to the information in De Architectura has its origins in the Oscan, Etruscan and Athenian languages. The origins of the oldest extant translation are through the text font which is Carolingian minuscule from the Holy Roman Empire and then into Germany and the Netherlands. The title follows the German Netherland latin form ‘uitruuii de architectura’ . ‘uitruuii’ in the German, Netherland language latin also links to the modern word ‘uitruil’ as ‘trade off’, ‘exchanges’.

This could be interpreted as the supposed authors middle name ‘uiTRuuii’ being not in fact a name but part of the title of the work. The title being ‘uiTRuuii De ARchitectura’. ‘Works off, exchanges of the chief builders.’

In about 95 AD Julius Sextus Frontius writes a report on The Aquaducts of Rome,

De Aquis, as part of his role as curator aquarum for the Emperor Nerva.

In Book 1. 25 of this work Frontius refers to a ‘Vitruvium Architectum’ and ‘Vitruvium et plumbarios’

This can be translated as ‘Vitruvius Architect’ and ‘Vitruvius and plumbers’

Or this can be translated as ‘Works off the chief builders’and ‘Works off the plumbers’

Or this can be translated as ‘Vitruvius writeth on the chief builders’and ‘Vitruvius writeth and plumbers’

In the 3^rd Century BC Marcus Cetius Faventinus refers to “Vitruvius Polio aliique auctores”

Later editions include the name ‘Marcus’in addition to the use of ‘Vitruvius’and ‘Polio’, ‘Pollio’and ‘Pollionis’.

Consequently the name of the author keeps changing as each translation is undertaken.

Name structure of Marcus ‘Vitruvius’ Pollio

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio’s name can be examined through the translation of his praenomen, nomen and cognomen.

The structure of De Architectura authors name can be first examined from the oldest extant manuscript, the Harley 2767, in the British Library.

Praenomen – ‘Marcus’

The Harley 2767 manuscript does not contain this name. It comes from later manuscripts.

If examined as a possible name then it can be interpreted as referring to the month of March (Martius) from the praenomen (Marcus) assigned to him.

March may also be a reference to the Marche area of Italy the location of the current commune of Fano, formerly in 9 AD the Colonia Julia Fanestris, formerly in 49-45 BC Fanum Fortunae where the author of De Architectura states he once erected and superintended a Basilica.

Nomen – ‘Vitruvius’

The Harley 2767 manuscript does not contain this name. It comes from later manuscripts.

The name Vitruvius as a nomen would comes from the Greek tradition of adding their Deme or Tribe or Genos (gens in latin) name to their personal name.

In examining the Harley 2767 manuscript however the name differs from the common given name in manuscripts of ‘Vitruvius’. It is written as ‘uiTRuuii’. Therefore before a tribal name translation is applied a meaning for ‘uiTRuuii’ needs to be established.

Nomen Vitruvius’ , ‘uiTRuuii’ – Works Off.

The first translation is to read the word ‘ uiTRuuii’ as part of the title on the Harley 2767 manuscript.

uiTRuuii DE ARchitecTURa . LiB 1.

This could be translated as ‘works off the chief builders’. Book 1.

Nomen Vitruvius’, ‘uiTRuuii’ – ‘Vl TR V VII’

The second translation proposes a military translation of the word ‘ uiTRuuii’ and an explanation for the emphasis of the ‘TR’ letters in the manuscript.

The military translation would read 6TR57

This when expanded could read.

Sixth Tribune (TR.,abb. N M [XLXDX] lesser TRIBUNE; abb. tr.; [tr. pl./tr. mil. => of the people/of the soldiers]; which may refer to his rank.) to a General of the 5^th cohort of the 7^th Legion the Legio VII later called Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelis

The last part of the title ‘De Architectura’ then still reads ‘the chief builders‘, referring to the historical architects, chief builders, and to the training and use of craftsmen by the legions, the main builders in the roman era.

Another link to the alternative military form of the title originates from the references to Ballista, artillery, the engines of war in De Architectura.

Augustus had apparently previously appointed the author of De Architectura and M. (Marcus) Aurelio, Publius Minidio and Gn.(Gnaeus) Cornelio with the care of, the various engines of war or ballista. This could have taken place in 44 BC when Augustus would have taken command of the Legions.

Augustus then reconfirms this appointment in 26 BC.

The reason for the re-appointment would be the building in Rome being undertaken by Augustus at this time. The author explains this in ‘De Architectura’

‘And so with Marcus Aurelius, Publius Minidius, and Gnaeus Cornelius, I was ready to supply and repair ballistae, scorpiones, and other artillery, and I have received rewards for good service with them. After your first bestowal of these upon me, you continued to renew them on the recommendation of your sister.

Owing to this favour I need have no fear of want to the end of my life, and being thus laid under obligation I began to write this work for you, because I saw that you have built and are now building extensively, and that in future also you will take care that our public and private buildings shall be worthy to go down to posterity by the side of your other splendid achievements. I have drawn up definite rules to enable you, by observing them, to have personal knowledge of the quality both of existing buildings and of those which are yet to be constructed. For in the following books I have disclosed all the principles of the art.’

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press, London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 1

The author of De Architecturaand Marcus Aurelius, Publius Minidius, and Gnaeus Cornelius are known authorities on ballista. This type of siege machinery knowledge can also be used to erect structures or to allow lifting of materials to encase earlier, more primitive, forms of building.

The collected works of ‘De Architectura‘, ‘the chief builders’of the ancient world, if followed, give Augustus a very strong proof of the validity and quality of any works he intends carried out.

Augustus can also verify all instructions by reference to the Ten Books of the chief builders and know the quality of the work that will occur or be expected to occur.

Augustus comments on the ‘beautification’ of Rome, according to Cassius Dio..

“Marmoream relinquo, quam latericiam accepi”

‘Marble I leave than brick I received’

Source: Cassius Dio 56.30.3

The ‘TR’reference, if confirmed, leads to connections and descriptions of rank such as given by Flavius Vegetius Renatus in ‘The Military Institutions of the Romans (De Re Militari) Book 2’390 A.D this clarifies the people given each type of task in the legion and so could also refer to the ranks of the author of De Architectura and M. (Marcus) Aurelio, Publius Minidio and Gn.(Gnaeus) Cornelio.

The Praefect of the Camp

‘The Praefect of the camp, though inferior in rank to the former, had a post of no small importance. The position of the camp, the direction of the entrenchments, the inspection of the tents or huts of the soldiers and the baggage were comprehended in his province. His authority extended over the sick, and the physicians who had the care of them; and he regulated the expenses relative thereto. He had the charge of providing carriages, bathorses and the proper tools for sawing and cutting wood, digging trenches, raising parapets, sinking wells and bringing water into the camp. He likewise had the care of furnishing the troops with wood and straw, as well as the rams, onagri, balistae and all the other engines of war under his direction. This post was always conferred on an officer of great skill, experience and long service, and who consequently was capable of instructing others in those branches of the profession in which he had distinguished himself.’

The Praefect of the workmen

‘The legion had a train of joiners, masons, carpenters, smiths, painters, and workmen of every kind for the construction of barracks in the winter-camps and for making or repairing the wooden towers, arms, carriages and the various sorts of machines and engines for the attack or defence of places. They had also traveling workshops in which they made shields, cuirasses, helmets, bows, arrows, javelins and offensive and defensive arms of all kinds. The ancients made it their chief care to have every thing for the service of the army within the camp. They even had a body of miners who, by working under ground and piercing the foundations of walls, according to the practice of the Beffi, penetrated into the body of a place. All these were under the direction of the officer called the praefect of the workmen.’

Flavius Vegetius Renatus “Military Matters” Book Two The Organization Of The Legion

The Praefect has a dual role to that of the people ‘the workmen’and ‘the soldiers’. This again can refer to the name ‘Vitruvius’or ‘uiTRuuii’as it appears in the Harley 2767 manuscript since the TR designation can refer to Tribune and also mean ‘of the people of the soldiers’.

The military reference would assist a timeline for the author of ‘De Architectura’and give possible locations for each point in his life to cross check against the locations in ‘De Architectura’ depending where the 7^th Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelis where located.

The authorwould travel toGaul 58 BC, Venetic 56 BC, Britain 55 BC, 54BC, Lutetia 52 BC, Alesia 51 BC, Hispania Ilerda 49 BC, Pharsalus 48 BC, Dyrrhachium 48 BC, Pensioned off and returned to Italy, Africa Thapsacus 46 BC, Vetrans given land near Capua and Luca, joined Octavian in 44 BC, Moderna in 43 BC, Philippi in 42 BC, in Italy with Octavian at Perugia in 41 BC. Vetrans settled in southern Gaul 36 BC. Active against Sextus Pompeius in Sicily, Actium 31 BC. Vetrans settled in Mauretania. Octavian becomes Emperor. Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelistransferred to Galatia and the Balkans.

Source: http://www.livius.org/le-lh/legio/vii_claudia_pia_fidelisl and assoc. refs.

Cognomen – Pollio

The Harley 2767 manuscript does not contain this name. It comes from later manuscripts.

If examined as a possible cognomen it can be linked to a number of points in De Architectura.

The tribal name ‘Pollia’ settled the area of Northeast Italy around the Commune of Fano.

The tribal name ‘Pollia’ may give another link to the name of Pollio.

Thecurrent commune of Fano was formerly in 9 AD the Colonia Julia Fanestris and before that it was in 49-45 BC Fanum Fortunae.

The author, states in De Architectura that he erected and superintended a Basilica at Fano. Fano may therefore indicate a family or military link.

The origin of the name ‘Pollio’ is also possibly Greek and from Athens.

This origin is given credence by the extensive reference to Greek, Athenian, works of chief builders in De Architectura.

This origin is further given credence by the author referring to his Athenian parents taking care to ensure he was educated in all of the arts.

‘Hence, I am very much obliged and infinitely grateful to my parents for their approval of this Athenian law, and for having taken care that I should be taught an art, and that of a sort which cannot be brought to perfection without learning and a liberal education in all branches of

instruction. Thanks, therefore, to the attention of my parents and the instruction given by my teachers, I obtained a wide range of knowledge………’

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture, Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard University Press, London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 6

The area of the Pollia tribe around Fanum Fortunae is also geographically linked to the Etruscan, Marrucini, Picene, Umbrian, Oscan, Messapic, Greek areas of ancient Italy where the Lecnecome from possibly linking the Pollia or Pollio name to the Licinii the most illustrious of Republican Rome’s plebeian gentes

Spource: Licinia (gens) Wikipedia and assoc. refs

Source: Ancient peoples of Italy – Wikipedia and assoc. refs

The inference to these references is however that the authormay be NE Italian, Athenian Greek by ancestry and Roman by citizenship gained by military service.

Pollio is also a pejorative cognomen of”Paullus” meaning “little; small in stature”.

Consequently further examination of the authors prenomen, nomen and cognomen may even begin to give us a physical image of the author.

The author alludes to his description and name in ‘De Architectura’

‘But as for me, Emperor, nature has not given me stature, age has marred my face, and my strength is impaired by ill health. Therefore, since these advantages fail me, I shall win your approval, as I hope, by the help of my knowledge and my writings.’

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture – translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard University Press, London, UK: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 2

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio complete name and titles

If the oldest extant manuscript is examined then the name of the author is uncertain, as is the full title of the work.

If the available names, in manuscripts, are combined then a potential description of the author of De Architectura emerges.

‘Born in the month of March under Mars the God of War. Possibly in the Marche area of Fanum Fortunaeor of Athenian Parents. Lesser, sixth of six Tribunes, to the General. Veteran Triarii pili third Class of Arms. Prefect of the Camp, Chief of Ballista, Doctores Ballistarum, Libratores, Tribune of the 5^th cohort of the 7^th Legion of the people, of the soldiers, staff officer of the Legatus.Tribunus Laticlavius Commander of a legion during battle. Legal advisor. Roman Magistrate of the People of the Soldiers. Small in stature. One of those appointed to take care of the engines of war by Augustus.

Timeline using Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio as a combined name.

If the oldest extant manuscript is examined then the name of the author is remains uncertain.

If the authors name is formed from each of the manuscripts then it can become Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio. Through a timeline of his life including known historical events and people this name can be given more background.

116 BC

Marcus Terentius Varro

A roman Architect and former tribune of the people, quaestor and curule aedile thenpraetor

He had studied in Athens.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio makes reference to Varro in De Architectura. Book 7

‘Fuficius, in fact, was the first to undertake to publish a book on this subject. Terentius Varro, also, in his work “On the Nine Sciences” has one book on architecture, and Publius Septimius, two.’

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture, Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard University Press, London, England: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 6

‘Publius Septimius, the quaestor of Marcus Terentius Varro, who sent him three books of De Lingua Latina. Septimius is probably the same man who wrote two books on architecture, as his name is mentioned by Vitruvius in connection with Varro’s’:

Source: Wikipedia. Marcus Terentius Varro, De Lingua Latina libri XXV, v. 1, vii. 109, ed. Müller.

106 BC

Marcus Tullius Cicero born.

July 100 BC

Julius Caesar born.

80BC

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio born.

70 BC

A Roman Theatre is built at Herculaneum.

An inscription at the theatre site possibly relates to Publius Minidio as its architect although the inscription reads p. NVMISIVS. p. F. ARCHITECTVS.

Publius Minidio is mentioned by Vitruvius as one of the three appointed with the care of the engines of war and then re-appointed by Augustus on the suggestion of his sister Octavia Minor with the same role after Augustus becomes Emperor.

The Theatre was built by Lucius Annius Mammianus Rufus, Quinquennial Duumvir (One of two Roman officers or magistrates united in the same public functions for a five year period.)

Source: A description of the first discoveries of the ancient city of Herculaneum By Marcello de’ Venuti

69 BC

Octavia Minor Born.

64 BC

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Age 16

He is at the earliest possible age for a person to join the Legions of Gāius Jūlius Caesar.

If his family are indeed from Athens or one of the socii, such as the Pollia, from the Marrucini, Umbria or Oscan voting tribe areas around Fanum Fortunae, then joining the army allows him access to a secure life.

23 September 63 BC

Augustus Born

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Age 17

63 BC

Fall of Jerusalem consulship of Cicero. Catiline conspiracies. Coalition of First triumvirate.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Age 17

60/54 BC

Gāius Jūlius Caesar. Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus Marcus Licinius Crassus to govern the Roman republic.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Age 26

58/50 BC

Caesar fights the Gallic wars.

The seventh legion are present. Therefore given the possible interpretation of the name

viTRvvii (6 TR 5 7) Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio could be present as the lesser of six Tribunes to the General of the 5^th cohort of the 7^th Legion.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 22- 30

56 BC

Caesar fights the Veneticwars.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 24- 30

55 BC

Julius Caesar invasion of Britain.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 25- 30

54/53 BC

First campaign against the Parthian Empire. Crassus utterly defeated and killed

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Aged 27

53 BC

Cyrus, a Greek architect dies. He worked as an architect for Cicero.

52 BC

Battle of Lutetia. Parthian Campaign.

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Aged 28

51 BC

The siege of Alesia.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 29

50 BC

Andronicus of Cyrrhus builds the Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora in Athens. Athens has Roman influences in it at this time.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Polliois possibly linked to Athenian parentage and education and can site them as examples he may have actually observed.

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture Transl. by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press, London, UK: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 1. 6

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 30

49 BC

Hispania Ilerda battle.

The seventh legion are present. Therefore given the possible interpretation of the name

viTRvvii (6 TR 5 7) Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio could be present as one of the sixth of six Tribunes to the General of the 5^th cohort of the 7^th Legion.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 31

49BC – 45 BC

Fano, Italy occupied by Gaius Julius Caesar and his troops. Fano is then occupied by a single cohort possibly the 500 men under Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’ Pollio.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio states he erected, and superintended a Basilicaat Fano, formerly in 9 AD the Colonia Julia Fanestris, formerly 49-45 BC Fanum Fortunae.

‘But basilicas of the greatest dignity and beauty may also be constructed in the style of that one which I erected, and the building of which I superintended at Fano.’

Source: The Ten Books on Architecture, Transl. by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard University Press, London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Book 5. 1

The creation of a Colonia at Fanum Fortunae called Julia Fanestris by Augustus means that the Basilica was also know to Augustus.

Marcus ‘uiTRuuii’Pollio Aged 31-35