Giovanni Aurispa

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Giovanni Aurispa (c.1370–1459) was an Italian historian and savant of the 15th century. He is remembered in particular as a promoter of the revival of the study of Greek in Italy, was born at Noto in Sicily.

In 1418, he visited Constantinople, where he remained for some years, perfecting his knowledge of Greek and searching for ancient manuscripts. His efforts were rewarded by the acquisition of exactly 238 manuscripts, with which he returned to Venice. Here he is said to have been obliged to pawn his treasures for 50 gold florins to provide for his immediate wants. Cosimo de' Medici, hearing of his embarrassment, redeemed the manuscripts and summoned the owner to Florence.

In 1438, at the council of Basel, Aurispa attracted the attention of Pope Eugene IV, who made him his secretary; he held a similar position under Nicholas V, who presented him to two lucrative abbacies. He died at Ferrara in 1459.

Considering his long life and reputation, Aurispa produced little: Latin translations of the commentary of Hierocles on the golden verses of Pythagoras (1474) and of Philisci Consolatoria ad Ciceronem from Dio Cassius (not published till 1510) ; and, according to Gesner, a translation of the works of Archimedes.

Aurispa's reputation rests upon the extensive collection of manuscripts copied and distributed by him, and his persistent efforts to revive and promote the study of ancient literature.