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 an auspicious melon, and officials both civil and military reported to the Emperor their congratulations. In 715, Prince Hozumi died, leaving Maro as the highest-ranking retainer. On March 3, 717, Maro died at the age of 78. Empress Genshō lamented his loss deeply, sending Prince Nagaya and on a condolence call to his home and granting him the posthumous rank of . Condolences were presented by representatives of the "daijō-kan", nobles above the fifth rank, and nobles below the sixth rank. The Shoku Nihongi records that . Eight months later additional presents were made to him, of rough silk, thread,