person
C. Avianius Hammonius
Hammonius
also: C. Avianius Hammonius, Hammonium, Hammonius
Freedman of M. Aemilius Avianius, managing his patron's estate at Sicyon (Achaea) as procurator in his patron's absence. He had personally assisted Cicero in difficult times with exceptional loyalty. Cicero recommends him to Servius Sulpicius in Fam. 13.21. His cognomen Hammonius (from the Egyptian god Ammon) indicates likely eastern Mediterranean origin.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 13.21 §2 C. Avianius Hammonius, his freedman, whom indeed I commend to you also on his own account
Hammonius (a name of Egyptian divine origin, from Ammon) was Avianius's freedman and business agent (procurator), acting in his patron's absence to manage the household and estate at Sicyon. On manumission, a freedman took his patron's gentilicium; hence C. Avianius Hammonius.