Robert Gentilis

Roberto Gentili (11 September 1590 – 1655 or later) was a translator into and from multiple languages and the son of sir Alberico Gentili. He started his university education at the age of eight, graduated at the age of twelve and became a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford at the age of seventeen, below the minimum age, by special dispensation.

Life Gentilis was born on 11 September 1590 and was named Robert after his godfather, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. His father was the Regius Professor of Civil Law of Oxford, the Father of law, Alberico Gentili. Gentilis grew up speaking many languages: his parents' native languages (Italian from his parents), English, and Latin and Greek taught by his father. He used his linguistic ability to translate Isocrates' from Greek into Latin, Italian, French and English when he was young. He became a member of Christ Church, Oxford when he was eight years old and he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Jesus College in 1603 when he was twelve years old.