Gaius Ateius Capito (jurist)
Gaius Ateius Capito (about 30 BCE – 22) was a Roman jurist in the time of emperors Augustus and Tiberius and consul suffectus in the year 5.
Life
Capito was educated as a jurist by Aulus Ofilius. He was active as a jurist and a senator and became consul suffectus in the year 5. He was a strong proponent of the principate which brought him in opposition to Marcus Antistius Labeo.[1] In 11, he became curator aquarum and was responsible for water supply and regulation throughout the city of Rome.[2] In 15, he and Lucius Arruntius were entrusted by Tiberius to work on a plan to confine the river Tiber after heavy floods, but the project was not carried out due to heavy resistance from the populace.[3] His successor in the office of curator aquarum was Tarius Rufus.[2]
Works
All of Capito's works are lost and are only known by their titles through quotes by later authors. Works known to have existed include:[4]
- De pontificio iure ("About pontifical law"), at least six books about laws concerning the pontifices
- De iure sacrificiorum ("About sacrificial law")
- Coniectanea ("Miscellaneous"), at least 9 books about various themes
- De officio senatorio ("About the senatorial office")
- One work of unknown title about the auguries
- Epistulae ("Letters")
Influence
Capito had considerable reputation as a jurist and gathered a school of jurists that became known as the Sabinian school after his pupil and successor Masurius Sabinus.[5] Capito's works were read and quoted until the sixth century, although more frequently by lexicographers (especially by Sextus Pompeius Festus and Aulus Gellius) than by jurists.
