Maecenas

(Gaius Maecenas)

70–8 BC

Maecenas was a close friend of Augustus, and although he did not hold official public offices, he was very influential in government, both domestically, and diplomatically. His reputation was one of exceptional tact and moderation and he aided Augustus greatly in his dealings with rivals and political opponents. The fact that the reputation of Augustus was one of moderation and accommodation was largely due to the influence of Maecenas, who actively discouraged him from carrying out purges or mass executions of his political enemies.

VIRGIL READING AT THE HOUSE OF MAECENAS, JALABER

In spite of his significant contributions to the new political order in Rome, Maecenas is still best known for being a patron of the arts. He supported and promoted the careers of such Latin literary greats as Virgil, Horace, and Propertius. The Augustan era is known as the Golden Age of Latin literature, and it marks the first time that Latin rose to the same level as Greek in terms of original literary contributions. Maecenas can be thought of as the force behind the flowering of Latin culture, not only during his only life, but for several generations that followed.

After thirty years of a very close relationship with Augustus, Maecenas eventually fell out of favor, due to some personal intrigues regarding his wife Terentia. He died in 8 B.C., the same year as his lifelong friend Horace.

Key events during the life of maecenas:

Year	Event
43 BC	Negotiated reconciliation between Antony and Octavius.
42 BC	Assisted Octavius in campaign at Philippi.
39 BC	Became acquainted with Horace, and Virgil shortly afterward.
37 BC	Sent as ambassador for Octavius to work peace treaties with rivals.
36 BC	During war with Pompey, Maecenas administered government in absence of Octavius.
31 BC	Vicegerent of Octavius during campaign in Actium.
	Greatly influenced the establishment of new order, without holding public office.
19 BC	Death of Virgil.
12 BC	Fell out of favor with Octavius due to personal considerations.
8 BC	Died.

Other Resources

Story Links	Book Links
Maecenas and His Friends  in	Pictures from Roman Life and Story  by  Alfred J. Church
Augustan Age  in	The Story of the Romans  by  H. A. Guerber

Image Links
Roman Empire at the Death of Augustus  in  Augustus—His Life and Work	In the time of Augustus, Hildensperger  in Famous Men of Rome

Contemporary	Short Biography
Augustus Caesar	First emperor. Reigned for over fifty years. Established the Imperial system.
Agrippa	Most trusted general and advisor of Augustus Caesar. Married Augustus's daughter Julia.
Virgil	Great epic poet of the Augustan age. Wrote The Aeneid.
Livy	Roman historian. Wrote History of Rome from its Founding.
Horace	Great lyric poet and satirist of the Augustan age.
Propertius	Poet whose career was promoted by Maecenas.
Tarentia	Wife of Maecenas, whose intrigues caused his downfall.