Marcus Cato the Elder’s On Agriculture (De Agri Cultura) is the oldest surviving work of Latin prose. Cato the Elder, also known as Marcus Porcius Cato and Cato the Censor, was a prominent Roman statesman, soldier, and author who lived from 234 to 149 BCE. Known for his conservative views and insistence on preserving Roman customs and values, he also authored Origines, the first history of Rome in Latin, although this text survives only in fragments. Cato’s only complete surviving work is On Agriculture, written around 160 BCE. This practical manual offers advice on farm management, animal husbandry, and capitalist landowning for Roman farmers. It emphasizes efficient farming practices such as crop rotation, soil maintenance, and vineyard management, reflecting the sophistication of Rome’s farming economy and the concerns of the landowning class. The text also provides insight into the social dynamics of Roman agriculture, featuring guidelines on the selection, treatment, and organization of slaves, underscoring the importance of slavery in Roman agriculture. Additionally, it includes instructions on running a household, recipes, medicinal remedies, and religious rituals.