Echt oder unecht? Frontin als gromatischer Autor aus historischer Sicht

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to offer conclusive arguments from a historical perspective for theattribution of Gromatic Writings De agrorum qualitate, De controversiis, De limitibus and Dearte mensoria to the senator Sextus Iulius Frontinus. There are two historical evidences infavor of such attribution: the public offices that Frontin had performed during his life inthe service of the Roman emperor, and the role that his literary production played withinhis politial career. Both evidences were treated in the present paper. It will be proved thatit is a close connection between his public offices and his works on ars mensoria, res militaresand cura aquarum. It is also important to note that for Frontin, as for other state officialsof his time, the loyalty to the emperor and the utilitas publica were essential.