Quirinus

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In Canto VIII of Paradiso, Charlemagne evokes the variety of inclinations imprinted on men by the circular motion of the heavens, which does not distinguish between noble and humble lineage. Among the examples cited to illustrate the different human activities appears Quirinus, presented as a political figure alongside the priesthood, the art of war, and the technical arts. The name is introduced in close connection with the biblical pair of Esau and Jacob, the two twins already different in their mother's womb: the verse specifies that Quirinus "comes... by seed from Jacob," according to the traditional interpretation that traces him back to the gens Iulia. The mention is part of Dante's reflection on personal qualities independent of birth.