In memory of A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta
IN·MEMORIAM·A·TVLLIAE·SCHOLASTICAE·AVGVSTAE·PRINCIPIS·SENATVS·CENSORIS·IIII·CONSVLIS·II·PRAETRICIS
A. TULLIA SCHOLASTICA AUGUSTA
(Nancy M. Balding),
PRINCEPS SENATUS, CENSORIAL AND CONSULAR SENATOR and AWARDED KNIGHT of Nova Roma,
has passed.
She lived 80 years.
She will live in our hearts forever!
The people of Nova Roma mourns the loss of A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta, our teacher and champion of classical studies.
Nova Roma and the Nova Romans extend their condolence to the family and friends of Scholastica Augusta. Nova Roma will pray for A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta and her family in this difficult time, and ceremonies in her memory are being performed. The senate has also awarded a funus censorium, a censorial state funeral and three days of official State Mourning, memorial games called the Ludi Tullii, and a new series of coins minted, all these to be done in her memory. The Nova Roman censorial funeral takes place as a separate ceremony after the actual funeral on a.d. V Id. Mai. ‡ M. Cotta C. Petronio cos. ‡ MMDCCLXXVII a.u.c.. The senate and people of Nova Roma have donated an amount towards the costs of the funeral. You can help and support these commemorative actions by donations as announced in our forum. You can learn more about her life and role in Nova Roma on her biography page.
THANK YOU for your contribution and dedication to Nova Roma, dear Scholastica! Thank you for being our fellow citizen for more than two decades!
Farewell our princeps senatus!
EPITAPHIUM
DIS MANIBUS
A. TULLIAE SCHOLASTICAE AUGUSTAE
PRINCIPI SENATUS
QUAE VIXIT ANNORUM LXXX.
* * *
AULA TULLIA SCHOLASTICA AUGUSTA,
CONSUL BIS ET CENSOR QUARTUM ATQUE PRAETRIX,
QUAESTRIX, VIGINTISEXVIRA, PRIMA INTERREGINA,
PRINCEPS SENATUS QUAE FUIT APUD VOS,
OPTIMA MAGISTRA LINGUAE LATINAE,
ROMANITATISQUE MAXIMA PRAECEPTRIX,
MATRONARUM GEMMA, VIRTUTUM EXEMPLUM,
SAPIENTISSIMA DOCTRIX ATQUE DOCTISSIMA:
HANC NOVAE ROMAE PLURIMI CONSENTIUNT
BONARUM OPTIMAM FUISSE VIRAGINUM.
HONORE VIRTUTE OMNES SUPERAVIT,
QUAM OB REM SENATUS AUGUSTAM APPELLAVIT.
+
SIT TIBI TERRA LEVIS!
CN. CORNELIUS LENTULUS
PRINCEPS IUVENTUTIS
SCRIPSIT
This poem, loosely following the form of versus Saturnius, the poetical format of Roman epitaph inscriptions, was written in memory and honor of A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta, the princeps senatus, by Cn. Cornelius Lentulus, the princeps iuventutis. The epitaph of Tullia Scholastica imitates the texts of the most famous versus Saturnius funerary inscription poems of Scipio Barbatus and that of Scipio Africanus Minor. The English translation of the epitaph is below:
To the Divine Departed Spirits
of A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta,
princeps senatus,
who lived 80 years.
* * *
Aula Tullia Scholastica Augusta,
Consul twice and four times censor, also praetor,
Quaestor, vigintisexvira, the first interregina,
Who as princeps senatus served the state among you,
The best master and teacher of the Latin language,
Greatest educator of the Roman culture,
A gem of the matrons, example of virtue,
The wisest woman and the most learned of all:
All the Nova Romans agree she was a heroine.
In honor and virtue she has surpassed all,
So the Senate was moved to name her Augusta.
+
May the earth rest lightly upon you.
Cn. Cornelius Lentulus
princeps iuventutis
wrote it.
Obituary
A. TULLIA SCHOLASTICA AUGUSTA (Nancy M. Balding), PRINCEPS SENATUS, CENSORIAL and CONSULAR SENATOR, former INTERREGINA has passed away on her 80th birthday.
It is our very sad duty to announce that today, on the day of her 80th birthday, after the celebration, the princeps senatus A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta, four times censor, two times consul, former praetor, chief Latinist of Nova Roma, Classicist, one of the leaders of the Liberators Saving Nova Roma, multiple times awarded citizen, among other things, with the Censorial Award, the Senate Award for Shaping the First Quarter Century of Nova Roma, awarded eques equo publico, awarded with the distinctive agnomen Augusta for being an iconic emblem of Nova Roma for over 20 years, has passed away. She wanted to live her milestone 80th birthday despite the devastating disease, and the gods gave her this last award. Nova Roma will greatly miss her.
Tullia Scholastica worked as a Latin teacher, and she was about to work towards her PhD doctorate from Classics when a very serious cancer made her unable to continue her studies for several years. When she recovered from that, in a miraculous way, after all doctors renounced about her, then her mother became sick and frail, and Tullia Scholastica had to demonstrate the virtue of filial pietas for the next two decades when she remained at home taking care of her ailing mother until the very last. She loved and respected her mother very much, and she believed in piety, family, devotion, reverence and discipline.
After her mother passed away, Scholastica joined Nova Roma, and dedicated her life entirely to the cause of teaching Latin, educating Romans, promoting Roman Studies and reviving ancient Rome. She became a reenactor, she made Greek and Roman clothing, obtained the basic equipment, pugio, Roman glasses, vessels, the flag of Nova Roma and all things that you would find in the home of a devote Nova Roman and Roman reconstructionist.
She started her activities in Nova Roma as a Latinist, served innumerable magistrates as Latin counsel, and advisors, clerk, scribe in several apparitor positions: in the offices of aediles, censors, consuls and praetors. She was part of the Onomastic Reform Committee which corrected the chaotic Roman names system in Nova Roma and replaced it with the current classical standards. She started her cursus honorum as vigintisexvira assisting the Censorial Office in K. Buteone Modiano Po. Minucia coss. (2006).
She became very respected and admired for her qualities and service to Nova Roma, and her status and popularity made her elected as one of the highest ranking leaders: she became a praetor of Nova Roma the next year, L. Arminio Ti. Galerio coss. (2007). As it happens to those with strong principles and stubborn character, many came to dislike her puritan insistence on chaste and reverent behavior, but old fashioner republican Roman matrons would have understood her very well, in fact, she was their embodiment in modern age. She served as quaestrix and vigintisexvira, and in many apparitorship during the next years, when she was elected to the most respected magistracy of our res publica, the censorship in Cn. Caesare C. Tullio coss. (2012). She was a very dutiful and exemplary censor, and her character fitted the office amazingly. If modern women Roman can be censors, then Tullia Scholastica was definitely the one most naturally born to this dignity.
When Nova Roma was attacked by the coup d'état of Caesar and Sulla, Scholastica was among the first five citizens to start immediate action in order to save our republic. She immediately joined the Government In Exile of consul S. Lucilius Tutor, and continued to rally support and help the leaders of the Liberatores Saving Nova Roma until the lawful senate (the senators escaped from the coup) declared the separation of the coup-taken corporation and the respublica, the citizen community of Nova Roma, and she has become acting (deputy) princeps senatus, and the first ever interregina, serving three times, whose job was to get Nova Roma through the chaos, have magistrates elected, and re-start the proper operations of our symbolic state. She was integral to these vital moves to save and restore our beloved Nova Roma. Thank you, magistra, thank you Scholastica for all these things! The lawful senate appointed her as full princeps senatus due to her seniority and respected status among the patres conscripti in C. Claudio T. Domitio (II) coss. (2018), in the year of the 20th Anniversary of Nova Roma.
After Nova Roma was recovered from the hands of the Caesarian faction, but while the "Civil War" was still going on in exacerbation, Tullia Scholastica was elected censor again, for three consecutive short terms, thus she reached a previously unconquered glory, to be the first person ever to have served four times as censor. She conducted censuses, and presided over the Censorial Office in a most critical period, when Nova Roma was being fought and saved... and rebuilt.
As the coronation and most important grade of her cursus honorum, she was elected consul for Q. Arrio (III) A. Tullia coss. (2021), and she presided over the closing of the "Years of Organizational War" and announcing the victory that year, and putting an end to the emergency state and the ruling of Nova Roma by senatus consulta ultima. She and Q. Arrius Nauta restored Roman republican democracy, restored freedom to Nova Roma, and closed a difficult period in the history of Nova Roma. As another big first in the history of modern Roman womanhood, she became the first woman to be re-elected consul for a second time, for the next year Sex. Lucilio (II) A. Tullia (II) coss. (2022) when she continued and finished the reform measures.
After her second consulship, she has been fulfilling her duties in the senate diligently, leading with counsel and advice as befitting the princeps senatus, assisted by her deputy, Cn. Cornelius Lentulus, the princeps iuventutis. She was duty exemplified, virtuous and pious, a Roman stateswoman, nothing less. She never missed a senate session, never missed a voting, she raised her concerns and commented on even the tiniest matters of state. She carried on her duties until the very last moment, even asking details about the current senate session, the only one in which she could not personally participate. It is not by chance that the senate awarded her the agnomen Augusta, for being mighty and unwavering, a bastion of Nova Roma and a pillar of virtue.
What is more telling about her than that she attended, or tried to attend, all conventuses of Nova Roma: in Britain, in Rome, in Aquincum, all the bigger American events, Roman days, the American provinces' conventus, and I could list many more. She was everywhere were Nova Roma "happened." It would be difficult to find a more dedicated and committed Nova Roman than Tullia Scholastica Augusta was. She knew everybody and everybody knew her. She was like a mater patriae... Truly Augusta. She was full of wanting to live. She wanted to be with Nova Roma. With all of you.
She was ready to do many things. She was planning to go to the next Conventus. She was full of plans and desire to continue. Tragically sadly, the terrible cancer disease returned, in a different form, after the happy decades. The lethal disease was once forced by the gods to leave her, but it wanted its way back: probably that was the divine deal. They gave her to us, to Nova Roma for 20 years to nurture us as our august mater patriae, but now the deal's time was served out, and it came back for her. However, she received a last award, a last recognition as her Roman life time award.
When she got to know that she has only weeks, maybe month left, due to her will of life, her last goal was to make it to her 80th birthday. To get a last go with life. And miraculously, she did. Today, she has died while celebrating her 80th birthday. She had visitors, a choir of nurses sang Happy Birthday to Scholastica. She got presents, flowers and it was indeed a celebration. She was just barely conscious, but she sensed that her life is being celebrated, her 80th big birthday. While her cousin present on her side, quietly and in utmost dignity and honor, she passed away to the realm of blessed.
A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta, princeps senatus, censorial, consular senatrix lived 80 years.
She was the mother of the senate, of Nova Roma, she didn't left any natural children after her, but she left an adopted Roman daughter, Tullia Scholastica Flaviana who will continue her name, her Roman dynasty, her legacy. She also wanted and asked Cn. Cornelius Lentulus to carry on with her legacy and Roman familial dynasty, to keep her memory alive. We are deeply grieving for her: but we will soldier on, keep the flag high, and will continue her work. Now we are devastated and in tears, but Nova Roma will not stop. And with Nova Roma, she lives on.
She will never truly die.
D. M. A. TULLIAE SCHOLASTICAE AUGUSTAE
Tributes by Nova Roman citizens
Farewell by C. Petronius Stephanus Turpilianus, consul, pontifex, sacerdos Fortunae
C. Petronius Stephanus Turpilianus consul patribus matribusque conscriptis S·P·D
The death of the princeps senatus, A. Tullia Scholastica Augusta, is a very sad day for our republic.
Her achievements for the betterment of Nova Roma speak for themselves, and have been excellent summarised by our esteemed Lentulus, so there is little more I can add.
My one regret not have meet her in person, although I had corresponded with her by email and did manage to video chat on-line.
Suffice to say, she will be sorely missed.
May her spirit rest in peace...
Valette
C. Petronius Stephanus Turpilianus Consul
Farewell by L. Calpurnius Bestia, quaestor
What a sad new... sit sibi terra levis mollique tegaris harena
L. Calpurnius Bestia quæstor
[Tribute#2:]
Sit sibi bi terra levis
Farewell by Cn. Cornelius Lentulus, triumvir monetalis, pontifex, pater patriae
My dear friend Scholastica; you will be always in my heart and you will continue to live and be treasured by me and my family, and by your innumerable students, friends and fellow Nova Romans: your were our mater augusta! Dis Manibus A. Tulliae Scholasticae Augustae. Sit tibi terra levis! Nobiscum aeterne vives, pax et gloria tibi!
Farewell by L. Dellius Liberalis, triumvir capitalis
The Grand Dame of Nova Roma will be sorely missed (though the metaphorical ear tweaking shan’t be). In death as in life, A. Tullia Scholastica was very much a most Augusta of matrons, and ever the “…lady of class” ( she used this phrase a lot!). Dis Manibus A. Tulliae Scholasticae Augustae. Sit tibi terra levis! Nobiscum aeterne vives, pax et gloria tibi!
Farewell by Ap. Flavia Procula, quattuorvira rerum curandarum
Ap. Flavia Procula omnibus sal
I am really very sorry receiving these news. We were all expecting it, but it’s never entirely easy to accept a death.
Tullia Scholastica was the one to welcome me when I returned to NR after a long absence and she had very kindly corresponded with me back and forth, formatting my name, amongst other things. That’s when I learned about her previous cancer and we bonded over that, as fellow survivors. You can all imagine how I felt when I heard the news of her illness returning.
She was a very unique person, a sui generis, as I’m sure anyone would agree -whether they liked her or not. She was also a big presence in our republic, and that is also without any doubt. I, for one, will miss her. We talked frequently, but other than that, she was a continuous presence.
All that said, even though I don’t hold any relevant position (that is, all this is above my pay-grade) I am categorically against anyone being deified in this day and age. In the past, too, it was almost exclusively a political move and, let’s be honest, not very tasteful. Also, as someone who was not a cultores, and in fact, not at all interested in the religio romana, I think Dear Tullia Scholastica herself would dislike the idea very much.
Let us remember her with the things she did and things that were dear to her. I am happy that her name will survive in her adopted daughter Tullia Scholastica Flaviana.
Valete!
Farewell by C. Popillius Laenas, triumvir capitalis
C. Popillius Laenas Qurites, SPD
I note with sadness the passing of Scholastica. Although sometimes a political opponent, she always acted her as her convictions dictated.
Ave.
Farewell by A. Iulius Paterculus, quattuorvir rerum curandarum
A. Iulius omnibus s.p.d. This is sad news on multiple levels: for Scholastica herself, who had reasonably hoped to live to a more advanced age based on her family history, to her many friends who until recently hoped for a miraculous recovery, and for Nova Roma, which will be much poorer without her knowledge and perspective. I hope that she drew some consolation from the many words of appreciation and affection she received over these past months. Valete.
Farewell by D. Aurelius Ingeniairius, decemvir stlitibus iudicandis
You became a critical mentor for me in my early years of ancient Roman discovery. A valuable resource to me, and by extension, my provinces, through your course of general guidance and your Latin prowess. You are as integral to Nova Roma as is the captain is to his ship, the pilot to his aircraft. With the sad news of your passing, Nova Roma is left with an empty hole, one that cannot be replaced so easily. You were a role model to all and to me. I appreciate the time we had and the Republic is forever better thanks to your life-long dedication.
We’ve got the watch now - rest easy senator, friend. Vale.
Farewell by Fl. Vedius Germanicus, augur, pater patriae
Salve,
While not unexpected, it's still incredibly sad news. I've known her for decades, and she will be sorely missed.
Vale,
Flavius Vedius Germanicus
Farewell by Q. Fabius Maximus, pontifex
So, I just read this. (I was on location in Vancouver.) I first met Tullia at Roman Days, 2001. Since I live in the West Coast (Los Angeles) I did not much get out much to the East coast, except NYC on business. We had sparred on-line before, so I was really interested in meeting her. (I have pictures from that meeting, somewhere, on a film roll. We were still shooting film in those days.)
Tullia turned out to be an educator, with a no nonsense, approach to Latin and Roman History. She was a Classical student, and I, Vulgate. (I study the Eastern Empire, plus as a former altar boy, and a graduate of an all boys Catholic HS, I have a pretty good grasp of Ecclesiastical Latin.) Yet we could speak to one another, albeit slowly. I last spoke to her in DEC to give her a Saturnalia greeting. She mentioned nothing of her dire condition at the time.
She had found a home in NR, and she seemed happy or at least content in her dedication. Especially when it came to educating Latin students in NR. Many are still here today. Even though we were political opponents I respected her and fervor for Nova Roma. She will be missed. So many of we “vetus custodia,” are being taken by the Boatman, yet Tullia’s legacy will endure.
Requiesce in pace
Quintus Fabius Maximus
NR titles too numerous to list
Farewell by C. Claudius Quadratus, augur
Salvete!
I was saddened by the news. It wasn't unexpected but came too soon. I well remember visiting Scholastica in Buffalo with my daughter Feles some years ago, and working with her, especially during the turmoil of the unlawful dictatorship. Her Romanitas and devotion to Nova Roma were remarkable.
Valete!
C. Claudius Quadratus
Farewell by Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia
Scholastica was in our Nova Britannia Latin meeting, trying to keep us neophytes and beginning Latin types interested in (and learning about) the language. Two years or so ago, she came east to Saturnalia, which I held in my house; she brought various examples of Roman clothing (which many of us tried on). She was an amazing woman. May her soul have a very easy path to the Elysian Fields.
Sibylla A Fulvia, who was also in on the Saving Nova Roma times.
Farewell by C. Pompeius Marcellus
Salve,Cn Cornelius Lentalus, I am in offial mourning for Scolastica, and I will light a candle and incense in her honor. May the Gods preserve our republic. Vale, Gaius Pompeius Marcellus
Farewell by M. Hortensia Faustina Aureliana Marina
May the gods watch over Tullia Scholastica Augusta as she journeys to the Isles of the Blessed. DM A Tulliae Scholasticae Augustae Vale, M Hortensia Faustina Aureliana Marina
Farewell by Q. Fabius Labeo
Labeo omnibus sal.
I am very sad, hearing this news. That it was expected doesn't lessen the sting. Farewell, teacher. DM A TULLIAE SCHOLASTICAE AUGUSTAE
Valete
Farewell by P. Ullerius Stephanus Venator
Salve et Salvete Omnes;
I am weeping. I considered her a True Friend and a True Example of Romanitas. A bit of Light has gone from this world.
Vale - et Valete P. Ullerius Stephanus Venator
Farewell by Ti. Cassius Atellus
Ti. Cassius omnibus sal.
Thank you for the news, Fabí, tragic though it be. It is saddening and even discouraging to know that such an exemplary citizen and magistrate has left us. While I never had any decent rapport with her, her strength and her influence were always evident in the Nova Roman community since I first was welcomed as a new citizen. I don't know what our little nation will be like without her talents and dedication. Sit terra sibi levis.
Valé et valéte
Farewell by L. Caelius Felix
This is very sad news.
She was a great woman. Though I only had the opportunity to correspond with her, I know her kindness and support.
May the gods light her way.
(As a Gnostic priest, I will offer prayers for her. May the Divine Logos shine on her forevermore!)
L Caelius Felix
Farewell by C. Silvius Agricola
She was my Roman Mother. We talked by phone regularly. I love her like a mother. And now, she is with the Gods. She will forever be in my heart. As an Augusta, it would be right to deify her. She is a Roman Goddess if anyone ever could be. My heart is breaking.
C. Silvius Agricola
Farewell by M. Iulius Laurentius
I am sad to hear of this. If I recall correctly, A. Tulia helped me with my Roman name when I first joined a couple years ago. I shall miss her
Farewell by T. Furius Noctua
Ave mater!
T. Furius Noctua
Farewell by Sp. Vibius Calvus
Sp. Vivius Calvus omnibus quiritibus S.P.D.
Salve!
I am very sorry to learn of the death Tullia Scholastica Augusta. She was my teacher and correspondent in Latin. I will sorely miss the written conversations with her. She was indeed a model of Roman womanhood. Sit sibi terra levis.
Vale!
[Tribute#2:]
When I joined Nova Roma, I took a refresher course in Latin from A. Tullia Scholastica, Latin Without Pain. I remained in contact with her, exchanging email messages in Latin. She remained a good teacher, correcting my occasional lapses in grammar. In conducting the buusiness of Nova Roma, she remained ethically proper in the face of criticism and personal attack. She was a true Roman matron. Requiescas in pace, amica. Dis Manibus.
Farewell by M. Martianius Lupus
Tullia Scholastica, my dear friend and Latin teacher; There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are; sun, moon and stars will shine. You are and always will be in my heart. Dis Manibus A. Tulliae Scholasticae Augustae. Sit tibi terra levis! Nobiscum aeterne vives, pax et gloria tibi!
Farewell by N. Octavius Astronomus
Per eam Latinitas vixit. Per Romanitatem ea vivere perseveret. Per eius operibus factibusque, vitas omnium populorum quae occurrit improverunt. Requiescat In Pace Aeterna In Memoriam
