HORACE
Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 – 8 bce), born in southern Italy, studied Greek language and philosophy in Athens and Rome. He fought as an officer with Brutus against Antony and Octavian, and when Brutus’ forces were defeated at Philippi, Horace returned to Rome and landed a government position. At the age of 27, he met Maecenas, a friend of Octavian. Maecenas became Horace’s patron and friend.
Horace wrote Satires (the first book appeared in 35 bce), Epodes (iambic poems), and Epistles, but is most highly regarded for his three books of Odes (23 bce), which demonstrate virtuoso talent for thematic range and metrical achievements. Horace was especially popular in the neoclassical period.
Works Consulted
“Horace.” Literature of the Western World, Volume 1. 5th edition by Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001. 1167-1189.