Virgilius Maro Grammaticus Virgilius Maro Grammaticus Virgilius Maro Grammaticus (Virgil the Grammarian, fl. c. 7th century) is the author of two early medieval grammatical texts known as the "Epitomae" and the "Epistolae". It is unknown exactly when or where he was active: in the eleventh and twelfth centuries he was known to Abbo of Fleury and others as Virgil of Toulouse, and subsequent scholars have tried to attribute him to Spain, the Basque Country and Gaul. Apparent traces of Hebrew have also prompted suggestions that he may have been Jewish. Supposed knowledge of some Old Irish vocabulary and verse has led to the
Isonokami no Maro in serving his lord until the end won him some respect. Alternately, the meritorious service of , also of the Mononobe family, on Tenmu's side may have softened his family's treatment. Four months after Maro's return, Okimi died and was posthumously named the head of the family. With the 684 reform of the "kabane" system, the Mononobe clan's "kabane" was changed from Muraji to Ason. The clan's name appears to have been changed to Isonokami around this time. At the funeral service of Emperor Tenmu, Maro spoke a condolence message as a representative of the ministry of justice. In 689,