Publius Vergilius Maro
- Born:
- October 15, 70 BC, Andes, near Mantua, Cisalpine Gaul (modern-day Italy)
- Died:
- September 21, 19 BC, Brundisium, Roman Italy (modern-day Brindisi, Italy)
- Nationality:
- Roman
- Profession(s):
- Poet
Early Life and Education
- Born in a rural area near Mantua, Cisalpine Gaul.
- Received his early education in Cremona and Milan.
- Later studied in Rome, focusing on rhetoric and philosophy.
- Influenced by Epicurean philosophy during his early studies.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his poetic career with the patronage of Maecenas, a supporter of the arts under Emperor Augustus.
- Achieved recognition as one of Rome's most prominent poets during the Augustan period.
- Commissioned by Augustus to write the Aeneid, a national epic poem.
Notable Works
- Eclogues (also known as Bucolics): A collection of pastoral poems.
- Georgics: A didactic poem on agriculture and rural life.
- Aeneid: An epic poem recounting the legendary journey of Aeneas, a Trojan prince, to Italy and his founding of Rome.
Legacy and Impact
Publius Vergilius Maro, whose biography one can find readily expanded on resources like 'publius vergilius maro wikipedia', remains one of the most influential poets in Western literature. His works have been studied and imitated for centuries, shaping the development of epic poetry and influencing numerous authors and artists. His Aeneid served as a foundational text for Roman identity and continues to be regarded as a masterpiece of classical literature.