ATTICUS, TITUS POMPONIUS

born 109 BC, Rome died 32 BC Roman eques (knight), Epicurean, and patron of letters, best remembered for his connection with Cicero, with whom he was educated. His name was Titus Pomponius, that of Atticus being given him later from his long residence in Athens (8865 BC) and his intimate acquaintance with Greek literature and language; he assumed the name of Quintus Caecilius Pomponianus when his rich uncle, Quintus Caecilius, died in 58. Pomponius transferred himself and his fortune to Athens in 88 in order to escape the civil war. He lived quietly, devoting himself to study and business interests, and on his return to Rome he kept aloof from political life. His most intimate friend was Cicero, whose correspondence with him extended over many years. Of his writings none is extant, although he wrote a history, in Greek, of Cicero's consulship, a Roman history down to 54 BC, and genealogical works. His most important work was the edition of the letters addressed to him by Cicero.