ABSTRACT
L. Tarutius of F i r m u m Picenum (75 — 30 BCE) Roman astrologer, wrote On Stars in Greek, consulted by PLINY for astral weather signs (1.ind.18). More remarkable were his investigations of historical astrology made at his friend VARRO’s behest in the interests of establishing the chronology of Rome’s beginnings ( C I C E R O , Div. 2.98; PLUTARCH, Rom. 12.3-6). Tarutius claimed to have determined on astrological grounds the dates of Romulus’ conception (synchronized with a supposed solar eclipse in 772 BCE), his birth, and the founding of Rome (fixed by finding a horoscope fitting the character of the event in 754 BCE).
