T
T ⇒ P. C T
T ⇒ S
L. Tarutius of Firmum Picenum (75 – 30 BCE)
Roman astrologer, wrote On Stars in Greek, consulted by P for astral weather signs
(1.ind.18). More remarkable were his investigations of historical astrology made at his friend
V’s behest in the interests of establishing the chronology of Rome’s beginnings
(C, Div. 2.98; P, Rom. 12.3–6). Tarutius claimed to have determined on
astrological grounds the dates of Romulus’ conception (synchronized with a supposed solar
eclipse in 772 BCE), his birth, and the founding of Rome (fixed by finding a horoscope
fitting the character of the event in 754 BCE).
A.T. Grafton and N.M. Swerdlow, “Technical Chronology and Astrological History in Varro,
Censorinus and Others,” CQ 35 (1985) 454–465.
Alexander Jones
Tauros of Be ̄rutos, L. Caluenus (130 – 160 CE)
Student of P, then independent scholar or tutor, whose student Aulus Gellius
provides vivid glimpses into the contemporary academic world: details of the formal cur-
riculum, including the study of P’s dialogues (NA 17.20) and A’s scientific
treatises (especially the Problems: NA 19.6), open class discussion (NA 1.26) as well as the
social milieu including dinner parties where students brought topics for after-dinner discus-
sion (NA 7.13). Tauros’ literary output included a book like Plutarch’s on Stoic contradic-
tions (NA 12.5.5), an exegesis of the differences between Aristotle and Plato defending the
Academy against contemporary charges of syncretism (Souda, T-166), and a commentary
on Plato’s Timaeus, cited by I P, De Aet. Mundi. Tauros argued that the
Timaeus describes an apparent “temporal creation” merely for clarity of instruction and to
forestall asebeia and pride (Philoponos De Aet. Mundi 6.21 [pp. 186–187 Rabe]). Tauros
distinguished four meanings of genetos: of the same genus as things that are created; com-
posite things; in process of generation; dependant for existence on an outside source
(Philoponos De Aet. Mundi 6.8 [ pp. 145–148 Rabe]). Tauros also rejected Aristotle’s fifth
element, and to resolve the association of senses to elements, proposed a quasi-element