Juan Latino, born Juan de Sessa around 1518 in Bernuy de Porreros, Spain, was a remarkable figure of the Spanish Renaissance. As one of the first known Black scholars and poets in Europe, his life and accomplishments challenged the racial prejudices of his time.

Born into slavery, Juan was brought to Spain as a child and served in the household of the Duke of Sessa. His extraordinary intellect was noticed early on, and he was allowed to accompany the Duke's son, Gonzalo, to his lessons. Juan's aptitude for learning, particularly in Latin and Greek, soon surpassed that of his master's son.

Despite the obstacles posed by his status and race, Juan pursued higher education at the University of Granada. He excelled in his studies, earning a bachelor's degree and later a master's degree in Latin and Greek. His academic achievements were unprecedented for a person of African descent in 16th-century Spain.

Juan's intellect and erudition earned him freedom from slavery and a position as a professor of Latin grammar at the Cathedral School of Granada. He later became a professor at the University of Granada, where he had once been a student. This appointment was extraordinary for the time, making him one of the first Black professors in European history.

As a scholar and poet, Juan produced several notable works, including his epic poem "Austriad," celebrating the victory of Don John of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto. His poetry, written in Latin, demonstrated his mastery of classical forms and his deep engagement with the literary traditions of the Renaissance.

Juan Latino's life was also marked by a notable personal triumph. He married Ana Carleval, a white woman from a noble family, defying the social norms of the time. Their marriage, while controversial, was a testament to Juan's respected position in Granada's intellectual circles.

Juan Latino's life and work serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing attitudes about race and capability in Renaissance Europe. His achievements in academia and literature opened doors for future generations and continue to inspire scholars today. Juan Latino died around 1596, leaving behind a legacy that challenges us to reconsider our understanding of Renaissance history and the contributions of people of African descent to European culture and scholarship.

Juan Latino's Major Works

1. "Austriada" (1573)

• Epic poem in Latin hexameters

• Celebrates the victory of Don John of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto (1571)

• Comprises 2,000 verses across three books

• Demonstrates Latino's mastery of classical epic conventions

2. "De translatione corporum regalium" (1576)

• Latin elegiac poem

• Commemorates the transfer of royal bodies to the Royal Chapel of Granada

• Showcases Latino's ability to blend classical forms with contemporary events

3. "Epigrammatum liber" (1576)

• Collection of Latin epigrams

• Covers various topics, including personal reflections and social commentary

• Displays Latino's wit and mastery of concise poetic forms

4. Ad Catholicum pariter et Invictissimum Philippum (1576)

• Dedicatory poem to King Philip II of Spain

• Demonstrates Latino's political awareness and ability to navigate court culture

5. Grammar and rhetoric textbooks

• Used in his teaching at the Cathedral School of Granada

• Titles and specifics are not well-documented, but their existence is noted in historical records

6. Translations and commentaries

• Known to have produced translations of classical works

• Wrote commentaries on various Latin texts, though many are lost or undocumented

Juan Latino was a prolific writer and scholar, with his works spanning various genres and subjects. His most famous work is undoubtedly the "Austriada" (1573), an epic poem written in Latin hexameters. This ambitious piece, comprising 2,000 verses across three books, celebrates the victory of Don John of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The "Austriada" not only showcases Latino's mastery of classical epic conventions but also demonstrates his engagement with contemporary political and military events.

In 1576, Latino published several other significant works. "De translatione corporum regalium" is a Latin elegiac poem commemorating the transfer of royal bodies to the Royal Chapel of Granada. This work blends classical poetic forms with events of his time, highlighting Latino's ability to bridge ancient and contemporary contexts.

The same year saw the publication of his "Epigrammatum liber," a collection of Latin epigrams. These short, pointed poems cover a range of topics, from personal reflections to social commentary, displaying Latino's wit and his skill in crafting concise yet impactful verses.

Latino also wrote "Ad Catholicum pariter et Invictissimum Philippum," a dedicatory poem to King Philip II of Spain. This work demonstrates his political acumen and his ability to navigate the complex world of court patronage and royal favor.

As a professor of grammar, Latino is known to have produced textbooks on grammar and rhetoric, though specific titles and details of these works are less well-documented. These educational materials were likely used in his teaching at the Cathedral School of Granada and possibly at the university level.

Additionally, historical records suggest that Latino produced translations of classical works and wrote commentaries on various Latin texts. While many of these are lost or remain undocumented, they speak to his deep engagement with classical literature and his role in transmitting this knowledge to his students and contemporaries.

Latino's works are notable not only for their content but also for their very existence. As one of the first published Black authors in Renaissance Europe, his literary output challenged prevailing notions about race and intellectual capability. His mastery of Latin and his sophisticated engagement with classical and contemporary themes placed him firmly within the humanist tradition of his time, making a powerful statement about the universal nature of scholarship and artistic expression.

Juan Latino: Discussion Questions and Class Activity

Discussion Questions

1. How did Juan Latino's background as a former slave influence his academic pursuits and literary works?

2. In what ways did Juan Latino challenge the racial stereotypes and societal norms of 16th-century Spain?

3. Compare Juan Latino's experience as a Black scholar in Renaissance Europe to the experiences of other minority scholars throughout history. What similarities and differences can you identify?

4. How does Juan Latino's mastery of Latin and classical literature reflect the values of Renaissance humanism?

5. Discuss the significance of Juan Latino's marriage to Ana Carleval. How does this relationship reflect on the social dynamics of the time?

Class Activity: "Renaissance Voices" - A Historical Dialogue

Objective:

Students will create and perform a fictional dialogue between Juan Latino and another significant Renaissance figure, exploring themes of education, race, and societal change in 16th-century Europe.

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.

2. Assign each group Juan Latino and one other Renaissance figure (e.g., Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, Michelangelo).

3. Groups research both figures, focusing on their backgrounds, achievements, and the social contexts they lived in.

4. Students write a 5-minute dialogue between Juan Latino and their assigned figure, addressing topics such as:

   • Their respective educations and career paths

   • Views on race and social mobility in Renaissance Europe

   • The role of classical learning in their work

   • Challenges they faced in their pursuits

5. Groups perform their dialogues for the class.

6. After each performance, facilitate a brief class discussion on the themes and historical insights presented.

Extension:

Have students write a reflection comparing the opportunities and challenges faced by Juan Latino to those of marginalized scholars in today's world.