The Oldest Latin Books Still in Print: De Agri Cultura and the Latin Vulgate

Introduction

The history of Latin literature is vast and beautifully complex, encompassing texts from as far back as the 7th century BC. Among the oldest and most enduring Latin works, two stand out: the Praeneste fibula inscription and the De Agri Cultura by Marcus Porcius Cato. Additionally, the Vulgate, the authoritative Latin translation of the Bible, is a monumental work that has played a crucial role in the evolution of the Latin language and its use in religious and scholarly contexts.

The Praeneste Fibula

The Praeneste fibula is the earliest known Latin or Proto-Latino-Faliscan text. This bronze brooch, dating back to the 7th century BC, features a simple but significant inscription: "Manios Med Fhefhaked Nvmasioi." Translated, it means "Manios made me for Numerios." The text provides invaluable insights into the early development of the Latin language and its use in practical, if not religious, contexts.

Proto-Italic Antecedents

The Proto-Italic language, the ancestor of Latin, would have had a similar structure: PN med fefaked PN. This suggests that the Praeneste fibula is not just a relic of the past but a precious window into the linguistic evolution of one of the most influential languages in Western history.

De Agri Cultura by Marcus Porcius Cato

The book De Agri Cultura, written by Marcus Porcius Cato, is arguably the most enduring work in Latin. While it is not as ancient as some inscriptions, it is still in print today. This work, often referred to as Cato the Elder's On Agriculture, is a fascinating document in its own right, offering detailed agricultural advice and practices. However, the ethical and moral implications of this advice are troubling, with some of Cato's suggestions for treating farm slaves echoing practices common in 18th and 19th-century plantation economies.

The Latin Vulgate: A Conduit for Religious and Scholarly Knowledge

The Vulgate, the first complete Latin translation of the Bible, stands as a testament to the importance of Latin in medieval and early modern Christianity. The term "vulgate" stems from the Latin word vulgus, meaning "the public" or "common people." The Vulgate was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 and translated by St. Jerome, a highly educated and brilliant Roman citizen from Dalmatia.

The Context of the Vulgate's Creation

St. Jerome was tasked with gathering and examining all the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New, and translating them into Latin. This was a monumental effort, especially considering that multiple versions of the Old Testament existed at the time, primarily in Greek and Hebrew. St. Jerome focused on the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which he felt best represented the original text. The New Testament was originally written in Greek, but Jerome also translated and adapted Greek biblical texts into Latin.

Latin's Role in the Catholic Church

St. Jerome recognized the universal need for Latin in the Catholic Church, as Latin was the common language of the Roman Empire around 390. His translation aimed to correct errors in existing translations and make the Bible accessible to bishops, priests, and the faithful who spoke Latin. Additionally, the Vulgate facilitated a more uniform understanding of religious doctrine, which was crucial during a period of widespread literacy and religious education.

Conclusion

The enduring presence of these ancient Latin texts—ranging from the Praeneste fibula to the Vulgate—speaks to the lasting impact of Latin on literature, religion, and philosophy. Understanding these works not only deepens our appreciation of the Latin language but also provides insights into the social, cultural, and religious contexts of ancient history. As these texts continue to be printed and studied, they remain a vital link to our past, enriching our understanding of human civilization.