_Roman libraries; private ones; and the first public library,
that of Asinius Pollio._
Having spoken of such libraries of foreign peoples as seem worthy of
mention, let us pass to those of Rome, which are nearer to us in both
place and time.
Slow enough at first was the growth of love of books and interest
in the humanities among the Romans; for the Romans were children
of Mars, not of the Muses. But at last, by God’s grace, here also
culture took root and refinement gained in esteem, though slowly at
first, as it always does. Isidore notes that Aemilius Paulus was
the first to bring to Rome any large number of books, and this he
did after he had conquered Perseus, King of the Macedonians; then
Lucullus did the same after the pillage of Pontus. Thus he names two
who brought books to Rome. But they did not make them accessible
to the public. Concerning Aemilius I have read nothing further; of
Lucullus, Plutarch speaks at great length. He says: “His delight in
books and his free expenditure for them should be highly praised.
For he acquired many of them, and very beautifully written ones; and
showed the same liberality in respect to their use that he showed in
respect to their purchase. His library was open to every one; and in
the adjoining colonnades and exedras learned Greeks were especially
made welcome. Here they came, as to a temple of the Muses, and
passed the time pleasantly together free from all cares. And often
Lucullus himself came to these colonnades and walks, and joined the
learned in their conversations, and took part in their philosophical
discussions.”
From which you may see, Most Illustrious Prince, how free and open
this library was; and that though he retained the title to it
himself, he gave the unrestricted use of it to the learned, just as
you so generously do with your own.
To Aemilius and Lucullus one may add the name of Cornelius Sulla,
afterwards dictator, as a founder of libraries. He brought from
Greece and Athens to Rome a very large number of books and arranged
them to form a library. About this Lucian has written, as well as
Plutarch.
But after all these things were done, a true public library for Rome
had not yet been established. The thought of such an institution was
first conceived by the great and glorious Julius Caesar, and would by
him have been carried to its conclusion had not the fates forbidden.
Suetonius says, “He planned to open to the public libraries formed
of as many books in the Greek and Latin languages as he could bring
together, and to give to Marcus Varro the duty of organizing and
managing them.” This was truly the plan of a generous spirit, and
of a wise one also; for who in all the world was better fitted than
Varro, most learned in Greek and Roman letters, to carry out such a
scheme? But Caesar was not destined to realize his thought. Augustus,
his adopted son, added a library to the other adornments and glories
he gave to the city. At his suggestion and inspired by him, Asinius
Pollio, orator, senator, and noble, erected a temple of liberty, so
Suetonius says, and placed in it a library which he made free to all.
Isidore says, “Pollio was the first to establish a public library in
Rome, one composed of books in Greek and in Latin, and decorated with
busts of famous authors. He placed it in the public hall, which he
magnificently adorned with the spoils of war.” “Spoils of war” refers
to those taken from the Dalmatians, whom he had just conquered. Pliny
remarks that Asinius Pollio was the first to establish a library
which made free to all the wisdom of all.
It seems plain from these writers that this library was in the Hall
of Liberty, on the Aventine Hill. I think it was rather rearranged
or reconstructed for the library than built especially for it. It
had been in existence a long time before Pollio’s day. Plutarch
and other writers say that it dated from the time of Tiberius
Gracchus, father of the Gracchi. Pollio, it would seem, refitted
it and dedicated it to this glorious use. Ovid’s words should be
noted here, for he says,--his book, _Tristia_, is supposed to be
speaking,--“Liberty did not permit me to enter her hall; that hall in
which were first opened to the public the books of the wise.” I do
not think the words he uses in these lines have reference, as some
think, to a gathering of poets. The book--for, as I have said, it
is a book which Ovid’s verse makes us suppose is speaking--frankly
complains that it was not received into the library of Asinius, that
library which was the first to open to public use the writings of
learned men.