Horace
(Quintus Horatius Flaccus)
65–8 BC |
Horace was one of the greatest of the Latin poets, and his poetry was studied throughout Europe in the middle ages. Like Virgil, he was generously supported and encouraged by Maecenas. Horace's poems and satires were not only excellent in literary terms, but they give great insight into the humanity and philosophy of the Roman civilization in that age. He discusses his own personal experiences, observances, and thoughts as well as describing the daily life of those around him. His works do an excellent job of portraying the spirit of the Augustan age, and most of them have been preserved through the ages.
Key events during the life of Horace:
| Studied literature and philosophy in Athens. | |
| Fought at Philippi on the side of the republicans. | |
| Introduced to Maecenas by his friend Virgil. | |
| First book of Satires is published. | |
| Second book of Satires is published. | |
| Three books of Odes are written. | |
| First book of Epistles. | |
| Fourth book of odes, more hymns and epistles, and the famous Ars Poetica are published. | |
| Died. |
Other Resources
| Maecenas and His Friends in | Pictures from Roman Life and Story by Alfred J. Church |
| Day with Horace in | Pictures from Roman Life and Story by Alfred J. Church |
| Horace in | Back Matter by books/horne/artists/_back.html |
| Augustus and the Augustan Age in | Old World Hero Stories by Eva March Tappan |
Image Links | ||
|---|---|---|
 Virgil reading at the house of Maecenas, Jalabert in Famous Men of Rome |
 The Augustan Age in Greatest Nations - Rome |
 Famous Roman Writers in Greatest Nations - Rome |
| Advisor and ambassador of Augustus. Patron of art and literature. | |
| Great epic poet of the Augustan age. Wrote The Aeneid. | |
| Roman historian. Wrote History of Rome from its Founding. | |
| First emperor. Reigned for over fifty years. Established the Imperial system. |