Titus Pomponius Atticus

Titus Pomponius Atticus was born into a family that belonged to the equestrian order, which along with Senators and provincial aristocracy made politically and socially the most influential layer of the Roman state. Although his family owned a large fortune, it didn't hold any political functions.

Atticus inherited the fortune from his uncle, Quintus Caecilius, a well-known faenator who left him 10,000,000 and 2,000,000 sesterces from his father. He is described by his contemporaries as the person who possessed virtues of moderation and diplomacy. He successfully maintained good relationships with the great political persons, such as Gaius Marius and the future emperor Octavian. Also, he was a close friend of Marcus Cicero, and in later period, with Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a friend and counselor of Octavian to whom he gave the hand of his daughter.

In 85 Titus, in the fear of the outbreak of possible violence following the return of Sulla and his army from the war against the Parthian king Mithradates II, sold his holdings in Italy and moved to Athens. He remained in Athens until the mid-60s gaining the nickname Atticus (meaning “inhabitant of Attica”).

It is known that Atticus, like many other Romans, borrowed money at interest. It is also known that he used the services of intermediaries, which were generally considered the great experts on investing money, specifically certain Vestoriusa Puteoli. Their function was to mediate between the senators and knights who wanted to invest their money and get profits and of those who eventually want to borrow.

In addition to money investment, which certainly brought to him financial benefit, Atticus has been very successful in the management of financial affairs. Namely, the senators and knights who were often absent from Rome and their properties, needed a responsible and well-versed person to manage their estates. This person was charged not only for expenditures of household, but for the larger business of borrowing and lending of funds, large purchases and payments, and so on. Since it was a demanding job, it was entrusted to “procurator”, a free person who has agreed to take custody of the private affairs of others. Thus, it is known that Atticus led “negotia procurate”, or private affairs of Cicero, Cato, Hortensius and others.

Although in the financial activities is desirable to achieve a profit, Aticcus business affairs were not always motivated by profit. Such was the case whit giving a loan without interest the city of Athens and some individuals. Besides that, Atticus was well known for giving large gifs, like the one given to Brutus who on that occasion received 400,000 sestercies.

After he became incurably ill in 32 BC Atticus committed suicide.