Ancient Literature
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ancient-literature
All articles from the old ancient-literature.com website.
152 Articles
We Have A Mission If you are here, chances are you are like us: in search of wisdom that is tried and true, battle tested and guaranteed to provide in
(Tragic Playwright, Greek, c. 525 – c. 455 BCE) Introduction Aeschylus ( Aiskhylos ) is often recognized as the father of tragedy , and is the first o
(Fabulist, Greek, c. 620 – c. 560 BCE) Introduction Aesop was by tradition a Greek slave , and he is known today exclusively for the genre of fables a
(Tragedy, Greek, 458 BCE, 1,673 lines) Introduction - Who wrote Agamemnon "Agamemnon" is the first of the three linked tragedies which make up "The Or
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 444 BCE, 1,421 lines) Introduction “ Ajax ” (Gr: “ Aias ” ) is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles . Although the
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 442 BCE, 1,352 lines) Introduction - Who wrote Antigone “Antigone” is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles , writte
(Religious text, anonymous, Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek, c. 9th Century BCE – 2nd Century CE, 31,101 verses) Introduction “The Bible” is a compilation of var
Introduction Catullus was a short-lived but very influential Roman lyric poet. Carmen 1 is the introductory poem for 116 Carmina, the collective term
Introduction Catullus begins the poem by talking about his friend Varus who took him from the Forum. At this time, Catullus was relaxing, but Varus to
Introduction In Catullus 100 , the poet talked about his friend and competition, Caelius. This man had an affair with Catullus ’s lover Clodia/Lesbia.
Introduction In poem 102 , Catullus talks about his ability to be a trusted friend . In line one and two, he talks about how a friend could keep a sec
Introduction In poem 103 , the poet wants his money back from Silo . In the four-line poem, he asks for his money, but seems to threaten the man who t
Introduction In this poem, Catullus questions why “you and Tappo” make things prodigious. In the first line of the poem, Catullus questions why someon
Introduction In poem 105 , Catullus addresses Mamurra again . Catullus refers to him as Mr. Penis again . In line one, Mamurra wants to climb “the Pip
Introduction Catullus lived during the time of slaves, and this poem shows it. While he does not write about slaves in the poem, he does write about p
Introduction In poem 107 , the poet talks about his fortune in life in relation to Lesbia, his lover . In lines one and two, he talks about how the tr
Introduction In this poem, Catullus shares his feelings about Cominius and those feelings are not filled with love . In line one, Catullus comments on
Introduction In poem 11, Catullus references several allusions to places and people of the ancient world - contemporaries of the poet. As the poem beg
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes about Aufilena and how a woman should be happy to be married to her husband and to have no other man in her
Introduction In Catullus 113 , the poet addresses a situation with Pompey and Maecilia. Catullus is telling his friend Cinna about how Maecilia was fr
Introduction In Catullus 114 , the poet takes aim at a man named Mentula , who is reality is Mamurra. This man served Caesar and Pompey and had a larg
Introduction Catullus does not like Mamurra and his nickname, Mr. Penis , proves it. This poem is similar to 114 , where he talks about Mamurra owning
Introduction In Catullus 116 , the poet is addressing a Roman author named Gellius . In the first two lines, Catullus wonders how he could send poems
Introduction Usually, when you invite a friend over for dinner, you provide the dinner. But, not when Catullus invites Fabullus over for dinner. In Ca
Introduction Catullus 14 is the equivalent of a rap war between ancient poets - albeit , ancient poets who are the best of friends. In this case, the
Introduction Catullus does not want Aurelius to have an affair with his lover Juventius. In this poem, Catullus asks Aurelius a modest favor: to keep
Introduction It is not too often that you read a classical work that will rival George Carlin in the need for “bleeped” out words, but Carmen 16 defin
Introduction In this unusual poem, Catullus refers to a woman named Colonia. This woman wishes to have a bridge to play games on, but she fears that t
Introduction In Catullus 2 , the poet writes about his lover, Lesbia, and her pet sparrow. He focuses on how the bird sits in Lesbia’s lap and plays w
(Lyric Poem, Latin/Roman, c. 60 BCE, 10/13 lines) Introduction “Passer, deliciae meae puellae” ( “Sparrow, darling of my girl” ) is a lyric poem by th
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses Aurelius who wants to have an affair with Juventius - his lover. Catullus calls Aurelius the father of a
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses Varus about his thoughts on a fellow poet he calls Suffenus . In line two, he compliments Suffenus, say
Introduction In this poem, Catullus directly addresses Furius, who is another poet in his social circle. Furius may have had an affair with Catullus’s
Introduction In this poem, Catullus speaks to the flower of Juventius or his family. The reader does not know if the flower is a man or a woman, but t
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses Thallus, a man that he does not respect. In the first line, Catullus calls him a sodomite, which is the
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses a boy who serves in the area of Falernian, which is an Italian wine country. Catullus tells the boy to f
Introduction In this poem, Catullus discusses the family of Piso and the people who serve the family. He uses an interesting play on words calling the
Introduction This poem is another that focuses on Mamurra, who Catullus regularly refers to as Mr. Penis. In the first four lines, Catullus asks who c
Introduction In Catullus 3, the poet shares that his girl’s sparrow has died . This is a reference to his lover, Lesbia, who had a pet sparrow. And, a
Introduction In this poem, Catullus is addressing a man who is better known as Alfenus Varus, a lawyer. After reading line one, it is easy to see that
Introduction In this poem, Catullus wrote about a place that he loved to visit: Sirmio. This is a promontory off of Lake Garda where Catullus seemed t
Introduction Catullus 32 is all about sex with a woman named Ipsitilla. Catullus talks about how he wants to “ rest with her at noonday ” and have “ni
Introduction In this poem, Catullus write about a father and son who are thieves. These two men are clever clothes-stealers at the Roman baths. The tw
Introduction In this poem, Catullus talks about the lieges of Diana , who is the Greek Roman variant of Artemis. She is the goddess of the hunt and a
Introduction In this poem, Catullus references a poet named Caecilius . Catullus writes an invitation to Caecilius to come to Verona and leave his hom
Introduction When Catullus wrote poetry, he wrote about people he liked and disliked. In this poem, he addresses Volusius, who he does not seem to lik
Introduction This poem is about men who visit brothels. In the first line, Catullus talks about people who visit them, and some of them are men who ar
Introduction In this poem, Catullus shares his emotional status with his friend Cornificius and asks for a word of comfort. Cornificius was a friend o
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes about Egnatius, who is a man that had an affair with Lesbia. He was supposedly from Spain and Catullus goss
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes about a yacht that once was the best of all ships. He describes her as being the fleetest and that no other
Introduction In this poem, Catullus accuses Ravidus for trying to mock or ridicule his poems. Catullus begins the poem by asking what Ravidus is doing
Introduction In the poetry of Catullus , there is one man that the poet absolutely hates: Mamurra. The poet refers to him as Mr. Penis and insults him
Introduction In this poem, Catullus refers to a woman who is not Lesbia. He calls the woman an “ugly drab” and talks about how she will not return his
Introduction This poem could have become an inspiration for Shakespeare’s sonnet knowns as “My Mistress’s Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun.” In Catullus’
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses the social groups in Italy and how they don’t necessarily follow the social rules. He argues that poetry
Introduction The story of Acme and Septimus is one of true love . In this poem by Catullus , Septimus tells Acme that he loves her to desperation. To
Introduction In this poem, Catullus shares the joy of spring bringing warmth back to the land. He also shares his joy in looking forward to traveling,
Introduction In this poem, Catullus talks about the two assistants of Piso: Porcius and Socration. But, instead of calling them his left and right han
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes to his boyfriend, Juventius. The first line addresses Juventius’s honeyed eyes. In the next line, Catullus
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes about his advocate, Marcus Tullius. This man is a descendent of Romulus , the first king of Rome. Romulus i
Introduction Catullus 50 tells of a lively poetry writing session between Catullus and his friend Licinius Calvus , as well as lethargy and ennui Catu
Introduction This verse is based on a poem fragment from the Poetess, Sappho . It is, logically, written in Sapphic Meter , and is nearly identical to
Introduction This brief poem by Catullus questions why Catullus does not want to die quickly. He repeats the first line in the fourth line. Between, h
Introduction Catullus 53 is about a man who made the poet laugh. The poet laughed because a man moked Calvus, who was accusing Vatinius. The man calle
Introduction In this poem, Catullus addresses several leaders who might be offended by his poetry. The allusions he makes in the poem include Otho, Er
Introduction In Catullus 55, the poet is busy searching for his friend Camerius. In the first two lines, he asks his friend to show him what dark corn
Introduction In this poem, Catullus talks to his friend Cato about a strange sight. In lines one and two, Catullus speaks directly to Cato to tell him
Introduction In this poem, Catullus attacks Mamurra and Julius Caesar. He calls them the abominable sodomites and fellators. He calls them stains, one
Introduction Catullus loved Lesbia. Caelius also loved Lesbia. In fact, Caelius was the man that Lesbia turned to after her husband died. In this poem
Introduction In Catullus 59 , the poet wrote about the sexual behaviors of Rufa of Bononia, the wife of Menenius . These are not famous people who are
Introduction This poem is written to Flavius about his mistress who Catullus calls unrefined and rustic. She is not of the city, according to Catullus
Introduction In this poem, Catullus wonders who bore someone that he finds hard-hearted and monstrous . Catullus questions whether it was a lioness or
Introduction In poem 61 , Catullus wrote another bridal song . This poem is written in stanzas of varying length and they end with a refrain to “ O Hy
Introduction Catullus 62 is a wedding poem . In it, he moves the song back and forth from young men and young women. In nearly every switch, he ends t
Introduction Catullus 63 is one of his longest poems having nearly 100 lines of text. The poem is lyrical, telling the story of Attis, Cybele, and the
Introduction Carmine 64 tells the story of Theseus voyage and his defeat of the Minotaur from the maiden’s point of view. The verse opens with a beaut
Introduction Catullus 66 was written while the poet was grieving the death of his brother. This poem is not about death, but is about Berenice who is
Introduction In Catullus 67, the poet writes a piece that looks like nothing else he has written. In the beginning of the poem, he speaks to the door
Introduction This is one of the poets longest works at 160 lines. The poem addresses several topics within the lines, which is why some scholars belie
Introduction In 69, Catullus takes aim at Rufus , who had an affair with Lesbia after the death of her husband. Catullus also had an affair with her a
Introduction Written in Hedecasyllabic meter , this piece is consistent with the Neoteric (“new poets”) style employed by Catullus . The subject of th
Introduction Catullus 70 is a mocking love poem about a special woman . She tells him that she only wants to marry him. She attempts to convince him t
Introduction Catullus addresses a man who suffers from gout in this poem . He does not name anyone , but this could easily be a reference to one of th
Introduction Catullus 72 is addressed to his lover, Lesbia . In the poem, he writes about how strong their friendship was in the past. But, now, she i
Introduction In this poem, Catullus has had enough of friendship that has gone wrong. The poet starts the piece off with a frustrating tone where he r
Introduction Gellius has to be the most demented person that Catullus knows. And, readers of Catullus’s poetry should be grateful, because he provides
Introduction In this poem, Catullus writes to Lesbia, whom he calls “my Lesbia.” In line one, he shares how his mind is reduced by her fault. This mea
Introduction Catullus 76 is an autobiographical poem where Catullus works through his personal torment of loving Lesbia while she does not love him in
Introduction Rufus is the man who replaced Catullus as the lover of Lesbia. Rufus is also called Caelius in other poems as his full name is Marcus Cae
Introduction In several of Catullus’s poems, he wrote about his love for Lesbia. In this one, he addresses Lesbia’s brother , who he calls Lesbius . H
Introduction In this poem, Catullus wrote about himself. He began talking about his folly and how all is lost. In line three he wrote about how the su
Introduction Catullus’s poems show the world that Rome, during ancient times, was open to relationships of all kinds. In poem 80 , Catullus wrote abou
Introduction In 81, the poet wrote about Juventius, another one of his homosexual lovers . Juventius had several other male lovers besides Catullus. I
Introduction Catullus wrote this poem to his friend Quintus . The poem is almost circular in its logic as Catullus begins by talking about how Quintus
Introduction In this poem, Catullus returns to his poems about Lesbia . This one includes a conversation between Catullus and Lesbia’s husband. Catull
Introduction In Catullus 84, the poet mocks a man named Arrius , who adds an aspirant to his words. During the time that Catullus was alive, it was po
Introduction Catullus wrote several of his poems about his love, Lesbia. She was married to Metellus, but she had an affair with Catullus. After he di
Introduction In Catullus 86, the poet reflects on the beauty of a woman named Quintia . While she is thought to be beautiful by many, Catullus believe
Introduction In Catullus 87 , the poet declares his love for Lesbia . He says that no woman was loved like he loved her. He never kept a commitment to
Introduction In 88 , the poet questions the behavior of Gellius , who he has written about in other poems. Gellius is another person that Catullus doe
Introduction In this poem, Catullus shares the joy he has because of his friendship to Veranius. In the first two lines, Catullus talks about how he p
Introduction This is another one of Catullus’s poems that focuses on the man he hates: Gellius . In this one, he addresses Gellius’s incestuous relati
Introduction The poet addresses Gellius in Catullus 91 . In it, he addresses Gellius and how he had a relationship with a woman who was not a mother o
Introduction In Catullus 92, the poet shares his struggles his love for with Lesbia. He wrote several poems about her and many of them involved his st
Introduction Catullus lived during the time of Julius Caesar . His father was friends with the senator and general, but Catullus did not respect the m
Introduction Catullus hates Mamurra . He hates him so much that he wrote seven poems to this man he refers to as Mentulla, or Mr. Penis . Mamurra was
Introduction Catullus often wrote verses about his friends and this is one of those poems. He wrote about the death of his friend Calvus and his love,
Introduction In this poem, Catullus insults Victius . He often calls Victius a stinkard, but in this poem, he is disgusting. Catullus tells Victius th
Introduction In Catullus 99, the poet writes about his male lover, Juventius , and he did not like it. The kiss was stolen, according to Catullus. He
(Lyric and Elegiac Poet, Roman, c. 87 – c. 57 BCE) Introduction Catullus was a short-lived but very influential Roman lyric poet whose surviving works
(Epic poem, anonymous, Sumerian/Mesopotamian/Akkadian, c. 20th – 10th Century BCE, about 1,950 lines) Introduction - What is the epic of Gilgamesh “Th
(Fables, Greek, c. 550 BCE) Introduction "Aesop's Fables" (Lat: "Aesopica" ) refers to a collection of well-known fables credited to Aesop , a slave a
Ancient Greek society placed considerable emphasis on literature and, according to many, the whole Western literary tradition began there, with the ep
(Didactic Poet, Greek, c. 750 – c. 700 BCE) Introduction Hesiod is often paired with his near contemporary Homer as one of the earliest Greek poets wh
(Epic Poet, Greek, c. 750 - c. 700 BCE) Introduction Homer is traditionally held to be the author of the ancient Greek epic poems "The Iliad " and "Th
(Lyric Poem, Greek, c. 570 BCE, 28 lines) Introduction “Hymn to Aphrodite” (sometimes referred to as " Ode to Aphrodite " or “Fragment 1” ) is the onl
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 429 BCE, 1,530 lines) Introduction – Oedipus Story “ Oedipus the King ” (Gr: “ Oidipous Tyrannos ” ; Lat: “ Oedipus Rex ” ) is a t
(Lyric Poem, Greek, 476 BCE, 116 lines) Introduction "Olympian Ode 1" is one of the best known of the many victory poems of the ancient Greek lyric po
(Lyric Poet, Greek, c. 522 – c. 443 BCE) Introduction Pindar was one of the most famous ancient Greek lyric poets, and perhaps the best known of the c
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 415 BCE, 1,093 lines) Introduction "Prometheus Bound" (Gr: "Prometheus Desmotes" ) is a tragedy often attributed to the ancient Gr
(Lyric Poem, Greek, 470 BCE, 100 lines) Introduction "Pythian Ode 1" is one of the better known of the many victory poems (or "epinicia") of the ancie
Roman literature , written in the Latin language, remains an enduring legacy of the culture of ancient Rome . Some of the earliest extant works are hi
(Lyric Poet, Greek, c. 630 – c. 570 BCE) Introduction - Who is Sappho Sappho was the quintessential lyric poet of ancient Greece. Although the bulk of
(Tragedy, Greek, 467 BCE, 1,084 lines) Introduction "Seven Against Thebes" (Gr: "Hepta epi Thebas" ; Lat: "Septem contra Thebas" ) is a tragedy by the
(Tragic Playwright, Greek, c. 496 – c. 406 BCE) Introduction Sophocles (Sophokles) was the second of the three great ancient Greek tragedians (after A
I have made use of various freely available sources on the Internet, including, but not limited to, the following: Wikipedia Google Books SparkNotes T
(Tragedy, Greek, 458 BCE, 1,047 lines) Introduction " The Eumenides " ( " The Kindly Ones " or " The Gracious Ones " ) is the third of the three linke
(Epic Poem, Greek, c. 750 BCE, 15,693 lines Introduction - Who wrote the Iliad " The Iliad " (Gr: " Iliás " ) is an epic poem by the ancient Greek poe
(Tragedy, Greek, 458 BCE, 1,076 lines) Introduction "The Libation Bearers" (Gr: "Choephoroi" ) is the second of the three linked tragedies which make
(Epic Poem, Greek, c. 725 BCE, 12,110 lines) Introduction “The Odyssey” (Gr: “Odysseia” ) is the second of the two epic poems attributed to the ancien
(Tragedy, Greek, 458 BCE, 3,796 lines over 3 plays) Introduction - Who Wrote Oresteia " The Oresteia " trilogy by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschyl
(Tragedy, Greek, 472 BCE, 1,076 lines) Introduction "The Persians" (Gr: "Persai" ; Lat: "Persae" ) is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschy
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 469 BCE, 1,073 lines) Introduction "The Suppliants" (Gr: "Hiketides" ; Lat: "Supplices" ) is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwr
(Tragedy, Greek, c. 440 BCE, 1,278 lines) Introduction “The Trachiniae” (Gr: “Trachiniai” , also known as “The Trachinian Women” , “The Women of Trach
(Didactic Poem, Greek, c. 700 BCE, 1,022 lines) Introduction - What is Theogony and why is it important? The "Theogony" (Gr: " Theogonia" ) of the anc
(Didactic Poem, Greek, c. 700 BCE, 828 lines) Introduction " Works and Days " (Gr:" Erga kaí Hemérai " ; Lat: “ Opera et Dies ” ) is a didactic poem w
Aetna Greek mythology is an interesting character because of her origin and connections. She was a nymph and a goddess of the mountains at the same ti
Alope was an ancient Greek woman from the town of Eleusis famous for her ravishing beauty. She was so beautiful that her grandfather, Poseidon , fell
Anticlea in The Odyssey has a brief yet impactful role in the play; she was a mother who met her demise waiting for her son's return home to Ithaca. B
Djerba was the lair of the lotus-eaters, Odyssey island , where addictive lotus plants grew. Odysseus encountered the lotus-eaters on his long journey
Was Achilles a real person ? The answer is uncertain. He may have been a great warrior of human birth, or he might have been a compilation of the deed
Hebros, in ancient Greek mythology, is a god who is the personification of a river located in Greece called Hebrus. Let us learn more information abou
Kleio was one of the goddesses of music, dance, and song, famously known as the Muses in Greek mythology. Clio muse was commonly depicted holding an o
Lelantos is an invisible, formless god, a direct personification and representation of one of the key elements of nature. Being a second-generation ti
Manticore vs Sphinx is a comparison of two hybrid creatures that belong to two different mythologies. Manticore is a known creature in Persian mytholo
Phthia Greece was an ancient city that is most famously known for its various Greek rulers. This ancient city is highly associated with Achilles , the
Thanatos vs Hades is the comparison between the carrier of the dead and the king of the dead in Greek mythology . It is an interesting comparison beca
Lapiths vs Centaurs is an interesting and gripping tale about the two creatures that came face to face in a battle. The two belong to Greek mythology
Aergia was the infamous goddess of idleness and laziness in Greek and Roman mythology. This goddess is also famous in many other mythologies which is
Ampelus in Greek Mythology is a satyr that has been seen, written about, and spoken of in various ways, as he has even appeared in other mythologies a
Byzas was a colonist who laid the foundation of the Byzantium empire along with his people. He is most famous for being a true king and the founder of