Quintus Aelius Tubero (historian)

Quintus Aelius Tubero was a Roman jurist and historian who lived in the 1st century BC. He was a member of the Aelia gens, a plebeian family that rose to prominence during the Roman Republic. He is primarily known for his writings on Roman law, history, and antiquarian subjects, although only fragments of his works survive.

Tubero belonged to a Stoic philosophical school and was known for his strict moral principles and adherence to traditional Roman values. His historical works were characterized by a conservative perspective and a focus on the early history and customs of Rome. He admired the simplicity and austerity of the past and often criticized the perceived decadence of his own time.

While none of his works have survived intact, fragments are preserved in the writings of later authors, including Aulus Gellius and Macrobius. These fragments suggest that Tubero's historical writings covered topics such as the origins of Roman legal institutions, the development of religious practices, and the biographies of notable figures from early Roman history. He is believed to have discussed topics such as the pontifical law, religious rites, and aspects of Roman social life.

His writings were considered valuable sources for subsequent historians and antiquarians seeking information about the early Roman Republic. Although his contributions may be fragmented, Quintus Aelius Tubero remains a significant figure in the study of Roman legal and historical thought.