fl. first century A.D.

Roman agricultural writer. Born in Gades in Spain, he wrote, among other works, treatises on Roman agriculture. His most famous such work was De Re Rustica (On agriculture). All 12 books of this agricultural manual survive and provide a comprehensive and systematic treatment of the subject, particularly with regards to viticulture. It is also highly praised for its literary style. The owner of several estates, Columella drew on his own practical experience as well as the works of other classical authorities.