The Cynegetica of Nemesianus

Nemesianus, Bishop of Thubunas, was present at a council which Cyprianus held at Carthage in 256 A.D. concerning baptism. To him and his fellow workers Cyprianus addresses several letters (62, 70, 76). The Nemesiani may well have been an African family of rank and distinction. From the fact that Carus and his sons, to whom the poem is dedicated (v. 63 ff.), each bore the name of Marcus Aurelius, Ulitius suggested that Nemesianus, whose nomen gentile was also Aurelius, was connected by some bond of relationship with the Caesars. But the evidence is too slight to support such a supposition.

In regard to the life of the poet we have little knowledge beyond the fact that he was a native of Carthage. This fact, as we have seen, is attested by the MSS. and by the words of the Bishop Hincmar. Moreover we find in the poem itself evidence that Nemesianus lived in Africa. From the passage (vv. 76-85) in which he expresses his desire to behold the victorious emperors,
Carinus and Numerian, it is evident that he is not at Rome. In verses 251-2, he refers to the Spaniards as the people lying beyond the lofty peak of Calpe. From this it is clear that the poet was in Africa or he could not have said "trans ardua Calpes culmina. "

That Nemesianus during his life time was known for his poetical ability is shown by the fact that he contended in a poetical contest with Numerian, son of Carus, who was himself famous as a poet and orator.