"The first (barbers) that entered Italy came out of Sicily and it was in the 454 yeare after the foundation of Rome. Brought in they were by P. Ticinius Mena as Verra doth report for before that time they never cut their hair. The first that was shaven every day was Scipio Africanus, and after cometh Augustus the Emperor who evermore used the razor."

6 likes

Source: Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations by Jehiel Keeler Hoyt, p. 57, Natural History, Book VII, Chapter LIX. Holland's translation, 1922.

About the author

Pliny the Elder

Naturalist, Author

Pliny the Elder was a Roman author and naturalist, known for his encyclopedic work 'Natural History,' which explores the natural world and human knowledge.

All quotes by Pliny the Elder →

Same author

More quotes by Pliny the Elder

See all →
Pliny the Elder Naturalist, Author

"The feasant hens of Colchis, which have two ears as it were consisting of feathers, which they will set up and lay down as they list."

Read quote