Horace (65–8 BC)

Roman lyric poet and satirist. He became a leading poet under the patronage of Emperor Augustus. His works include Satires (35–30 BC); the four books of Odes (c. 25–24 BC); Epistles, a series of verse letters; and an influential critical work, Ars poetica. They are distinguished by their style, wit, discretion, and patriotism.

Horace was born at Venusia, southern Italy. He fought under Brutus at Philippi, lost his estate, and was reduced to poverty. In about 38 Virgil introduced him to his patron Maecenas, who gave him a farm in the Sabine hills and recommended him to the patronage of Augustus.