About the author
Julius Firmicus Maternus was a Roman Latin writer and astrologer, who received a pagan classical education that made him conversant with Greek; he lived in the reign of Constantine I (306 to 337 AD) and his successors. His triple career made him a public advocate, an astrologer and finally a Christian apologist. The explicit, or end-tag, of the sole surviving manuscript of his De errore profanarum religionum ("On the error of profane religions") gives his name as Iulius Firmicus Maternus V C, identifying him as a vir clarissimus and a member of the senatorial class. He was also author of the most extensive surviving text of Roman astrology, Matheseos libri octo ("Eight books of astrology") written around 334–337. Manuscripts of this work identify him as "the younger" (iunior) or "the Sicilian" (Siculus). The lunar crater Firmicus was named in his honour. The Matheseos was dedicated to the governor of Campania, Lollianus Mavortius, whose knowledge of the subject inspired Firmicus, and whose encouragement supported him during the composition of this handbook.
📖 Where to start with Julius Firmicus Maternus
💬 What our editors say about Julius Firmicus Maternus's books
“This eight-book work serves as both a technical manual and a philosophical defense, preserving unique Hellenistic data otherwise lost. It details planetary rulerships and house systems with a rigor that appeals to the serious…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Ancient Astrology Theory and Practice: Matheseos Libri VIII
“This volume is an indispensable academic resource for historians of astrology and practitioners of traditional methods who require primary source material from late antiquity. The translation by James Herschel Holden makes…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Mathesis
“While this volume is indispensable for scholars and dedicated practitioners of classical astrology, it may overwhelm casual readers or those seeking simple, accessible horoscopes. The exhaustive nature of the 4th-century treatise…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Mathesis
📋 Editions by Julius Firmicus Maternus in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Astrology Theory and Practice: Matheseos Libri VIII | — | Astrology Classics | 352 | 9781933303109 |
| Mathesis | 2011 | American Federation of Ast | 620 | 9780866906197 |
| Mathesis | 2013 | American Federation of Ast | 620 | 9780866906432 |
| Mathesis | 2023 | Cazimi Press | 686 | 9781934586549 |
