UMBERTO MORICCA. – Professor of Latin language and literature; descendant of a noble family from Tropea, born in Filandari (Catanzaro) on 28 March 1888, died in Nettuno on 24 July 1948.
After teaching in Roman high schools and obtaining his libera docenza at the University of Rome (1920), in 1931 he was entrusted with his discipline at the University of Cagliari. He won the competition announced in 1932 by the University of Malta (Valletta), but after only three years, due to political circumstances, he had to resign. Upon returning to Italy, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools and Senior Inspector.
Works. His exceedingly prolific output includes, in addition to school commentaries and contributions to various periodicals, translations and original works. Translations: from Greek: Marcus Aurelius’ *Meditations*, the Letters of St Ignatius and St Polycarp; from Latin: Cicero’s *Republic* and *Laws*; Minucius Felix’s *Octavius*; Boethius’ *The Consolation of Philosophy*; Lactantius’ *On the Death of the Persecutors*; the complete works of Horace in verse; Virgil’s *Aeneid*, also in verse; the critical edition of Seneca’s *Tragedies*, 3 vols., Turin 1947, and of St Gregory’s *Dialogues* (Fonti per la Storia d’Italia, 57, Rome 1924). Original works: *St Jerome*, 2 vols., Milan 1922; *St Augustine*, Turin 1930; *History of Latin Literature*, 3 vols., Turin 1934, rich in well-assessed information. His work is marked by a deeply Christian spirit, without ostentation but without reserve.