Catullus
Catullus
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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The full name of the Roman poet is Gaius Valerius Catullus. He is commonly referred to as Catullus in English.
Birth and Death Dates
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Catullus was born around 84 BCE, although the exact date of his birth is unknown. He died sometime after 54 BCE, with some sources suggesting a death date between 52-50 BCE.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Catullus was a Roman poet who wrote in Latin. His poetry reflects the social, cultural, and personal experiences of ancient Rome during the late Republic period.
Early Life and Background
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Catullus was born into an aristocratic family in Verona, Italy. He was educated in Rome, where he developed a passion for poetry and literature. Little is known about his life beyond his literary pursuits, but it is believed that he traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire during his lifetime.
Major Accomplishments
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Catullus is one of the most celebrated poets of ancient Rome. He is renowned for his innovative style, which blended elements of classical poetry with personal and emotional expression. His poetry addressed a wide range of themes, including love, friendship, politics, and social issues.
Some of Catullus' notable accomplishments include:
Developing a unique poetic voice that has influenced generations of poets
Pioneering the use of sensual and erotic language in classical poetry
Addressing contemporary social and cultural issues through his workNotable Works or Actions
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Catullus wrote over 116 poems during his lifetime, although only about 60 have survived to the present day. Some of his most famous works include:
Carmen 5: A lamentation poem expressing his grief over a lost love affair
Carmen 51: A passionate and sensual poem addressed to his lover, Lesbia
Carmen 101: A satirical poem attacking the Roman poet Furius Bibaculus
Impact and Legacy
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Catullus' impact on literature is immense. His innovative style and personal expression have influenced countless poets throughout history. He has been cited as an inspiration by numerous writers, including John Donne, William Wordsworth, and Sylvia Plath.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Catullus is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:
His poetry's innovative style and personal expression have made him a beloved figure in literary history.
He addressed contemporary social and cultural issues through his work, providing insights into the lives of ancient Romans.
* His passionate and sensual language has captivated readers for centuries.
Catullus' legacy is a testament to the power of poetry to capture human emotions and experiences.
Quotes by Catullus
Catullus's insights on:
Now Spring restores the balmy heat, now Zephyr’s sweet breezes calm the rage of the equinoctial sky.
My mind’s sunk so low, Claudia, because of you, wrecked itself on your account so bad already, that I couldn’t like you if you were the best of women, -or stop loving you, no matter what you do.
It is difficult to suddenly give up a long love. Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem.