Horace also crafted elegant hexameter verses (Satires and Epistles) and caustic iambic poetry (Epodes). The hexameters are amusing yet serious works, friendly in tone, leading the ancient satirist Persius to comment: "as his friend laughs, Horace slyly puts his finger on his every fault; once let in, he plays about the heartstrings".
Vie et carrière
His career coincided with Rome's momentous change from a republic to an empire. An officer in the republican army defeated at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, he was befriended by Octavian's right-hand man in civil affairs, Maecenas, and became a spokesman for the new regime. For some commentators, his association with the regime was a delicate balance in which he maintained a strong measure of independence (he was "a master of the graceful sidestep") but for others he was, in John Dryden's phrase, "a well-mannered court slave".
Faits clés
- Born: December 8, 65 in Venusia, Italy, Roman Republic
- Décès : 8
- Domaine : Literature
Héritage et influence
The influence of Horace extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped literature and the written word, and his written works and literary innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 8, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Horace demeure l'un des esprits les plus célèbres issus de Italy, témoignage du riche héritage intellectuel de la région.
Génies notables de Italy
Italy a donné naissance à de nombreux esprits remarquables. Aux côtés de Horace :
Voir tous les génies de Italy →
Découvrez d'autres esprits brillants en Literature
Explorer Literature GeniusesArticles connexes
Explorerr plus
Lire le profil complet de Horace
Voir le profil de Horace →