By Jimmy Fraley
Julius Caesar
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Julius Caesar was born in July of 100 BC, and was killed March 15, 44
BC after declaring himself dictator for life. Most notably a general,
politician, and dictator, Caesar also wrote a handful of literary works.
His most famous works include Commentarii de Bello Gallico and
Commentarii de Bello Civili. The first work covered Caesar’s Gallic
campaign, and the second work covered his Civil War with Pompey.
Caesar’s works are widely read and studied to this day.
Titus Maccius Plautus
Plautus was born in 254 BC, and is believed to have been born in
Sarsina. In his early years, he supposedly worked as a stage
carpenter. He is believed to have written 130 comedies, including
Amphitryon and Asinaria. His plays often had a Greek-themed
storyline, and is considered one of the greatest Roman playwrights.
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Quintus Ennius
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Ennius was born in 239 BC in Rudiae, and is considered the greatest
Roman poet until Vergil. He received a Greek education in Tarentum,
and served in the Roman army. He spoke 3 different languages,
Latin, Greek, and Oscan, and referred to them as his 3 hearts. He
was the top Roman poet until Vergil. His most renowned work is
Annals.
Publius Vergilius Maro
Born on October 15, 70 BC, Vergil is often regarded as the greatest
Roman poet. Little is known about his early life. His patron was Gaius
Maecenas, an equestrian. His major works include the Bucolics,
Georgics, and the Aeneid, with the latter being his most famous. The
12 book long Aeneid was commissioned by Augustus, and is one of
the most popular texts ever written, although Vergil died before
finishing the work.
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Lucius Livius Andronicus
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Livius Andronicus was born around 284 BC in Tarentum. Initially,
he worked as a grammaticus for a noble Roman family. He also wrote
works for the stage, and his use of Greek themes and characters in
Greek costume formed a new genre of Roman drama, fabula palliata.
He wrote 8 tragedies, many about the Trojan war, and his biggest
achievement was the translation of the Odyssey into Latin. He is
often considered to be the father of Roman drama and Latin
literature, even by other notable Roman authors. He is the first Latin
poet whose name is known, and is one of the greatest authors to ever