The Roman politician Marcius Porcius Cato the Elder (234-149 BC) is considered an important ancient author on viticulture. Also known as "Cato the Censor", he grew up on his father's estate near Reate close to Rome. He reached the highest offices of state in a very short time (quaestor, aedile, praetor, censor and consul in Spain). Cato vehemently opposed corruption, ostentation and extravagance and propagated the old Roman customs in contrast to Greek culture, which he regarded as dangerous and pernicious. Because of his feared severity, he was nicknamed Censorius during his term of office as censor.
Ceterum censeo carthaginem esse delendam
He is probably best known for his famous statement at the end of each of his many senate speeches "Ceterum censeo carthaginem esse delendam", with which he preached or demanded the complete destruction of the city of Carthage for many years (incidentally, I am of the opinion that Carthage must be destroyed). In the last year of Cato's life, the Third Punic War did indeed break out, as a result of which Carthage was completely destroyed. However, he did not live to see its complete destruction three years later in 146 BC.
Numerous writings
Cato wrote on many subjects. The only one of his works that has survived is "De agri cultura" (also known as "De re rustica" - On Rural Affairs), which he wrote at the age of 80. It contains precise instructions for the purchase and operation of a country estate and emphasises that viticulture requires high investment and professional, intensive care. He was one of the first Romans to write extensively and competently about viticulture.
He gave recommendations for the planting of certain grape varieties, taking into account the geological and topographical characteristics of the vineyard, the grafting of vines, pruning and soil care through weed removal. He considered high grape ripeness during the grape harvest and great hygiene during winemaking to prevent wine from turning to vinegar to be important. He recommended cleaning the wine jugs twice a day after the harvest. With regard to winemaking, he mentioned the storage of lees.
Management of estates
Cato's instructions are very practice-orientated and contain numerous facts and figures relating to economic planning. Among other things, the required number of labourers is given and it is explained how many slaves could work without dropping dead. The owners of larger estates are addressed first and foremost. The information on the necessary equipment is based on a vineyard area of 100 jugerum, i.e. around 25 hectares. The equipment of the wine press house and the nature of the tree press (Torggel) are derived from this.
For the Roman landowners, viticulture was a major source of income and Cato's recommendations were followed to the letter. In his judgement of the popular wines of the time, he ranked the Raeticum from Veneto right after the Falernum from Campania. The later authors Columella (1st century) and Pliny the Elder (23-79) praised his erudition. His writings are partly included in the 10th century anthology Geoponika.
Bust: By Unknown author, Public Domain, Link
Saying: Norbert F. J. Tischelmayer
De re rustica: BEIC digital library, Public Domain, Link
