Quintus Aurelius Symmachus

• Quintus Aurelius Symmachus (c.345-402 CE) was a Roman Official during the reign of Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I.
• He is noted for being a Man of Letters and was a friend of the poet Ausonius.

Biography

• He was from an aristocratic family, his father had been Prefect of Rome and Prefect of the Grain supply. He was sent to Gaul to be educated, where he met Ausonius and developed his interest in Literature. He married another aristocrat Rusticana, and they had two children.
• He progressed up the Patrician career path, the Cursus Honorum, becoming Quaestor then Praetor.
• In 365 CE he was made Governor (Corrector) of Lucania and the Brutti.
• In 373 CE he was made Proconsul of Africa.
• In 391 CE he was promoted to Consul by Theodosius I.

Works

• Letters:
  • 9 Books of correspondence with family, friends and colleagues.
• Relationes:
  • Despatches to the Emperor written when he was Prefect of Rome.
• Panegyrics.
• Orations:
  • in fragments only.