Gaius Maecenas

Gaius Cilnius Maecenas belonged to a wealthy Roman family which traced their origins back to the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna.

It is unknown how Gaius acquired his initial fortune, although it can be assumed that he inherited wealth from his father’s agricultural holdings. Belonging to equestrian order allowed him to engage in commercial activities. His material status made him closer to Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus who was responsible for his future prosperity. During his rise to power, Octavian confiscated the properties of his powerful enemies, and Maecenas as his devoted friend and follower surely benefited from that.

During the Civil War, Maecenas as Octavian’s confidant additionally prospered as a person in charge for Rome and Italy. Confidence and reputation that he enjoyed by Octavian is evidenced in the fact that he had the privilege to read and edit Octavian’s most important correspondence before sending. His grace lasted even after Octavian became Emperor.

The last 15 years of his life he spent in welfare and tranquility at his palace in Rome serving as patron of famous poets like Horace, Sextus Propertius, and Vergil.

Upon his death, he bequeathed all of his fortune to his close friend the Emperor Augustus.