Fragmentary Republican Latin

Quintus Ennius (239–169 BC), widely regarded as the father of Roman literature, was instrumental in creating a new Roman literary identity, domesticating the Greek forms of epic and drama, and pursuing a range of other literary and intellectual pursuits. He inspired major developments in Roman religion, social organization, and popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2018
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Quintus Ennius, widely celebrated as the father of Roman literature, played a pivotal role in shaping a distinct Roman literary identity and inspiring significant advancements in Roman religion, social structure, and popular culture. Born in the Calabrian town of Rudiae in Magna Graecia, Ennius claimed lineage from the legendary Messapus, the eponymous hero of Messapia, and held the distinction of being the uncle of the renowned tragic dramatist Pacuvius. In 204 BC, Ennius was brought to Rome in the entourage of Cato and settled independently on the Aventine. Fluent in his native Oscan, Greek, and Latin, he emerged as one of the pioneering teachers who introduced Greek learning to Romans through public readings of Greek and Latin texts.

Beyond partisan affiliations, Ennius cultivated close relationships with numerous prominent families in Rome, notably through the patronage of Marcus Fulvius Nobilior. Through this connection, Ennius eventually secured Roman citizenship. His literary contributions were multifaceted, encompassing domesticating Greek epic and drama, as well as engaging in a wide array of literary pursuits. Remarkably, Ennius achieved success in all these endeavors, with the notable exception of comedy. Thus, he played a crucial role in establishing Latin literature on the assimilationist path that would define its character throughout the Republican era.

Ennius' tragedies, widely esteemed as classics within the genre, were celebrated for their profound impact and innovative features. His Annals, in particular, provided the canonical framework for Roman epic and pioneered many of its most distinctive elements. In addition to his literary achievements, Ennius also ventured into philosophical works, both in prose and verse, epigrams, didactic poems, dramas on Roman themes (praetextae), and occasional poetry that influenced the later development of satire.

This two-volume edition of Ennius, inaugurating the Loeb series "Fragmentary Republican Latin," serves as a replacement for the earlier edition by Warmington in "Remains of Old." It represents a comprehensive and authoritative presentation of Ennius' literary legacy, providing scholars and enthusiasts with a valuable resource for further exploration and appreciation of this influential Roman writer.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 164 x 130 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674997011