Columella, or Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella, was a Roman agronomic writer who lived in the 1st century CE and is one of the most important authors of ancient texts on agriculture. His work De re rustica (On Agriculture), consisting of twelve books, is a comprehensive agricultural manual that describes all aspects of farm management – from growing plants, through animal husbandry, to methods of storing crops. Columella also wrote about the owner’s role on the farm, and his advice was addressed to both landowners and ordinary farmers. Columella’s work has survived and is still an important source of knowledge about ancient agriculture and man’s relationship to the land.
De re rustica is not only an agronomic work, but also a philosophical one, in which Kolumella emphasizes the relationship of man with nature and the earth, considering agriculture to be a worthy and noble occupation. He wrote that the farm should be run in a sustainable way, with respect for nature and in accordance with its rhythm. In one of the books, he included detailed instructions on planting vines, emphasizing the importance of the right climate and soil for the quality of wine. Columella also recommended crop rotation to provide the soil with adequate rest and prevent it from becoming sterile – this principle was one of the foundations of later agronomy.
Columella’s work had a great influence on later agricultural authors. Columella and other authors such as Cato the Elder and Varro are considered the foundation of agronomic thought.
