Polydore Vergil
Polydore Vergil was a notable figure of the sixteenth century, recognized as a Roman Catholic priest, humanist, and historical writer. Born in Urbino, Italy, he was educated in prominent institutions like Bologna and Padua, reflecting a strong academic background. Ordained in 1496, Vergil served in various capacities, including as secretary to the Duke of Urbino and later in the chancery of Pope Alexander VI. His literary career began with the publication of "Proverbiorum libellus," a collection of proverbs, followed by "De inventoribus rerum libri tres," a treatise on inventions, both of which gained considerable popularity.
Vergil's move to England in 1501 marked a significant turn in his life; he became an influential figure at the court of King Henry VII and was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells. Notably, he was commissioned by Henry VII to write "Anglicae historiae libri XXVI," which stands as the first comprehensive history of England. Completing this monumental work in 1533, Vergil established himself as a pioneering historian by meticulously gathering sources and evidence. His impact on English historiography earned him the title of the Father of English History, and his work was later made required reading in British schools. After many years in England, Vergil returned to Urbino due to health issues and passed away in 1555.
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Polydore Vergil
Historian
- Born: c. 1470
- Birthplace: Urbino, Italy
- Died: 1555
- Place of death: Urbino, Italy
Biography
Polydore Vergil, a sixteenth century Roman Catholic priest, humanist, and historical writer, was born in Urbino, Italy. His grandfather, Antonio Vergil, was a philosophy teacher at the University of Paris. Polydore’s father, Georg Vergil, worked in the court of the Duke of Urbino. Polydore Vergil was educated in both Bologna and Padua. In 1496, he was ordained a priest and began his service as secretary to the Duke of Urbino. One year later, he accepted a position in the chancery of Pope Alexander VI.
At this time, Vergil began writing poetry and published his first work, titled Proverbiorum libellus. This work, published in 1498, was a collection of proverbs, which commented on morality and ethics. In 1499, Vergil published a subsequent title, De inventoribus rerum libri tres, which was a treatise on inventions. These first two works were extremely popular and established his literary career.
In 1501, Pope Alexander VI sent Vergil to England as a subcollector of Peterspence. While in England, Vergil’s literary talents won the favor of King Henry VII. By 1503, Vergil was granted the Church of Langston in Leicestershire and was enthroned as Bishop of Bath and Wells. He held both of these positions until his death. While in England, Vergil made friends with numerous intellectuals, including William Lily, Thomas Linacre, and Sir Thomas More.
In 1505, King Henry VII requested that Vergil record the history of England. This work, titled Anglicae historiae libri XXVI, became the first historical record of English history. In writing Anglicae historiae libri XXVI, Vergil assembled his facts through the use of correspondence, British and foreign documents, and other chronicled sources. In doing this, Vergil became one of the first modern historians to consult authorities, weigh evidence, and assemble a connected story, not just write a simple chronicle.
Vergil completed Anglicae historiae libri XXVI twenty- eight years later in 1533. Dedicated to King Henry VII, it was published in 1534. In 1582, by order of the Privy Council, Anglicae historiae libri XXVI became required reading in all British schools and earned Vergil the title of the Father of English History.
In 1510, Vergil was naturalized as an English subject. He remained in England for most of his life, making frequent trips to Italy to visit family and friends. In 1551, due to poor health, Vergil left England permanently and returned to his hometown of Urbino, Italy. There, in 1555, Polydore Vergil died.