Introduction	I was born in 106 BC in Arpinum, a hill town 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Rome. My father was a well-to-do member of the equestrian order with good connections in Rome, though as a semi-invalid, he could not enter public life. He compensated for this by studying extensively. Although little is known about my mother, Helvia, it was common for the wives of important Roman citizens to be responsible for the management of the household. My brother Quintus wrote in a letter that she was a thrifty housewife

Introduction

I was born in 106 BC in Arpinum, a hill town 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Rome. My father was a well-to-do member of the equestrian order with good connections in Rome, though as a semi-invalid, he could not enter public life. He compensated for this by studying extensively. Although little is known about my mother, Helvia, it was common for the wives of important Roman citizens to be responsible for the management of the household. My brother Quintus wrote in a letter that she was a thrifty housewife