Vitruvius Pollio - Foremost architect of the Augustan Age

The author of the influential treatise De Architectura (On Architecture), Vitruvius apparently served in the Civil Wars, perhaps in the African campaign of 46 B.C.E., and wrote his book at an old age.

Although clearly educated and experienced, he had an eccentric style and at times was unable to communicate clearly or managed to do so in a way that did little justice to Latin. De Architectura, however, was an important work in the field, in that he examined methods of construction, including private dwellings, aqueducts, and even sundials.

He relied heavily upon Greek writers but did cover the training of architects. The entire 10-volume study was dedicated to Augustus, whom he called Imperator and Caesar. Its date was sometime around 14 B.C.E., for Vitruvius mentioned very few buildings in Rome and no great architectural achievements.