Sergius Orata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sergius Orata (fl. c. 95 BC) was a Roman merchant and hydraulic engineer who was famous during the Roman Republic.

Sergius was well-known by his contemporaries because of the breeding and commercialization of oysters, in which he can be considered as a pioneer. Orata wanted to take advantage of Romans' taste for shellfish, so he developed a new system for breeding oysters. He constructed channels and preys to control sea tides, as well as high vaults over Lucrine Lake.

He is also credited with the invention of the hypocaust, although this is not fully confirmed. All we know for sure is that he invented the hanging baths ("balneae pensiles"), some kind of relaxing thermal baths; they are usually considered to be hypocausts. He commercialized it as successfully as the oysters, becoming a sign of distinction among patricians. He used to buy villages to construct the baths, and then resell them at higher prices.

[edit] The opinions of his contemporaries

The orata, Festus wrote, is a kind of fish that is called this way by its golden color (aurum). [...]. Because of this, it's said about a Sergio, who was the richest, that they were calling him orata, because he wore two big rings of gold. Some authorities assert that his nickname just comes from the commercialization of those fishes.
Roman people said about Sergius that he could breed oysters on the roof of his house.
He was distinguished for his great wealth and his love for luxury and refinement.