Karaliaus sekretoriaus ir Vilniaus vaito Augustino Meleskio Rotundo (apie 1520-1582 m.) turtas

Abstract

Researches dedicated to European humanists as well as to those from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania throw little light on their financial situation. Humanism was not a profession, thus naturally the main source of subsistence used to be state, or professional activity, not creative work. Thus the article aims to estimate the financial situation, amount of wealth and its sources of Augustinas Meleskis Rotundas, a representative of humanistic lawyers of the GDL. In Poland Rotundas' education and humanistic way of life ensured him a permanent source of subsistence and gained him the ruler's confidence. His greatest achievements were in Lithuania, his new motherland, where he made a brilliant career. He worked as a secretary to the King and later became vaitas (Polish wöjt, German Voigt) of Vilnius. These responsibilities were a primary source of his income which was quite ample and consisted of money he received for fulfilling the above-mentioned duties as well some additional pay. He also received money, though not regularly, for his humanistic activities, such as the translation of the Statute, patronage, etc. Still his direct responsibilities were the main source of income.