Latin Literature

~Latin literature is one of the enduring legacies of the culture of Ancient Rome. Here is a time-line of it.~

1. The Early Period (down to ca. 80 BC)-At the beginning of the Early Period, Rome had little to offer in literature. In the 3rd century BC, however, when Rome came in contact with Greek literature, the Romans were fascinated, and started learning Greek literature. All kinds of Greek literary devices were adopted by the Romans. Rome now composed epics, tragedies, satires, and speeches. The comedies of Plautus and Terence were especially accomplished for the time.

2. The Golden Age (80 BC-14 AD)-During the century before Christ, Rome tried to perfect it's literary media. This made Latin literature one of the world's greatest. Latin literature of the time had a beautiful, disciplined form, which is known as classic.

A. Ciceronian Period (80-43 BC)-These works were produced during the last years of the Roman Republic. Important writers of the time included Lucretius, Catullus, Cicero, Caesar, Nepos, and Publilius Syrus.

B. Augustan Period (43 BC-14 AD)-The first Roman Empire's name was given to this period in Latin literature. Augustus sought to enlist literature in the service of the state. Important writers of the time include Virgil, Horace, Livy, Propertius, and Ovid.

3. The Silver Age (14-ca. 138 AD)-In this age there was excellent writing, but often there are conceits in these writings. This indicates a less sure literary sense and power. The temperaments of a few emperors also limited literature in this age. Important writers of the time include Seneca, Petronius, Quintilian, Martial, Pliny, Tacits, and Juvenal.

A. The Archaising Period (mid to late 2nd century)-Taste developed for the vocab and style of early Latin and for the diction of vulgar Latin. Important authors were Fronto and Aulus Gellius.

4. The Patristic Period (late 2nd-5th cens. of our era)-Most of the vital literature of this time was the work of Christian leaders. This included Tertullian, Cyprian, Lactantius, Jerome, Ambrose, and Augustine. These men were educated ad fond of classical authors. Much concern was that the language of the Church should reach the people. Consequently, vulgar Latin re-emerged. When St. Jerome wrote the Vulgate he made sure to translate the Bible into the language of the people.

5. The Medieval Period (6th-14th cens. of our era)-Vulgar Latin now underwent rapid changes, and became known as different Romance languages. Latin still remained the language of the Church and the intellectual world. It was also an international language. Important authors included Isidore of Seville and Dante.