The poetry of Augustan Rome (strictly speaking 27 BC - AD 14) was hugely influential on the western tradition and for that alone it merits study: but when we contextualise these long-lost gems properly the results can be like those of discovering a piece of ancient plastic art: simply breath-taking. Even in translation the artistry of these poems will be evident, though some reference will need to be made to the Latin in terms of key words, memorable lines and the nature of the versification.
We will begin our chronological survey with a close study of Catullus and the Ancient Greek—and Republican—backdrop to Roman poetry in general. We will follow this with a genre that the Romans practically perfected: the love elegy, chiefly studying the work of Propertius and Tibullus. Our third major topic will be the multifaceted work of Horace, arguably the most talented and sophisticated Roman poet of them all. His only true competitor is Vergil, our fourth subject of study, who dared to write the one poem Rome had been waiting decades for: an historical epic that would somehow address the accomplishments of Augustus. For some, the last great Augustan poet (and our final topic) shows signs of a decline in quality, but there can be no denying that Ovid’s mighty yet delicate Metamorphoses is probably the most influential piece of Classical literature in Latin ever written.
Learning outcomes
- To develop an understanding of the ‘content’ of this poetry, coming to grips not only with the materials of the poetry but also with the techniques involved, such as narrative, speech, irony, metaphor, simile and allusion.
- To develop an ability to contextualise this poetry within the cultural and political milieu of the period. The poetry makes constant reference not just too old Greek myths and legends, but to living, and in many cases, very powerful individuals.
