Some Reflexions on Varro’s Hebdomades¹

This article discusses three rather neglected issues concerning Varro’s Hebdomades: 1. The basis of Varro’s fascination with the number seven, leading him to his eventual concept of such an exceptional work; 2. An attempt to find out as much as possible about the nature of the work, described by Pliny as the first illustrated book in Rome, and 3. A discussion of its reception and impact in Rome.