Early Life
Agricola was born in the colonia of Forum Julii, Gallia Narbonensis (modern southern France). Agricola's parents were from families of senatorial rank. Both of his grandfathers served as imperial governors. His father, Julius Graecinus, was a praetor and had become a member of the Roman Senate in the year of his birth. Graecinus had become distinguished by his interest in philosophy. Between August 40 and January 41, the Roman Emperor Caligula ordered his death because he refused to prosecute the Emperor's second cousin Marcus Junius Silanus.
His mother was Julia Procilla. The Roman historian Tacitus describes her as "a lady of singular virtue". Tacitus states that Procilla had a fond affection for her son. Agricola was educated in Massilia (Marseille), and showed what was considered an unhealthy interest in philosophy.
Read more about this topic: Gnaeus Julius Agricola
Famous quotes containing the words early and/or life:
“The science, the art, the jurisprudence, the chief political and social theories, of the modern world have grown out of Greece and Rome—not by favor of, but in the teeth of, the fundamental teachings of early Christianity, to which science, art, and any serious occupation with the things of this world were alike despicable.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)
“Die two months ago, and not forgotten yet? Then there’s hope
a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)