Gaius Trebatius Testa (c. 84 BC – ?) was a jurist of ancient Rome,[1] whose family, and himself, originated from Elea.
Some twenty years younger than Cicero, Trebatius was both a familiar friend and a protégé of the latter.[2] Cicero dedicated his Topica to Trebatius, and recommended Trebatius as a legal advisor to Julius Caesar, calling him a thorough gentleman and a "leading light in civil law".[3] Trebatius enjoyed Caesar's favor, making his fortune alongside him in Gaul, and supporting him in the Civil War.[4]
Later he also worked closely with Augustus, and was subsequently described in the Institutes of Justinian as being of the greatest authority for Augustan law.[5]
A good-humoured man - Cicero wrote of sending him "badinage in your own style"[6] - Trebatius was featured by Horace as a learned adviser in his Satires.[7] As well as a fondness for wine, Trebatius also seemed to enjoy swimming as a hobby.[8]
A pupil of Cornelius Maximus, Trebatius played a key part in the transfer of legal authority from the senate to individual jurisconsults under the Principate.[9]
An expert on sacral law,[10] Trebatius' writings included a de religionibus and de iure civili, but not even excerpts of these survive. He was, however, frequently cited by later jurists, and also had a high reputation as the teacher of Marcus Antistius Labeo.
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