Persius
Life Thanks to an ancient biography attributed to Valerius Probus, we are fortunate to know a good deal about Aulus Persius Flaccus. He was born 6 December 34 CE in Volterra, a…
Suetonius
Life For a man who chronicled much of Roman history, the life of Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus is actually for the most part shrouded in mystery. His date of birth and…
Pliny the Elder
Life Gaius Plinius Secundus, in English often Pliny the Elder, was an ancient encyclopedist, natural philosopher, and military commander. He was born in either 23 or 22 CE at Como…
Quintus Cicero
For the famous Roman orator and politician, see Marcus Tullius Cicero. This article refers to his brother Quintus. Quintus Tullius Cicero was the younger brother of the more prominent Marcus Tullius…
Hirtius
Aulus Hirtius was Life Aulus Hirtius, personal legate to and close personal associate of Julius Caesar, was born circa 90 BCE, and died in 43 BCE at the Battle of Mutina.…
Statius
Life The life of Publius Papinius Statius primarily comes from his own works. He tells us he was born at Naples, which he describes as a "meeting-place of Greek and…
Valerius Maximus
Life The only information we have for Valerius Maximus comes from his own writings. Therein he portrayed himself as a modest client of Sextus Pompeius (cousin to Pompey the Great, not…
Livius Andronicus
Livius Andronicus was a Greek poet of the third century BCE. He holds the distinction of being the first named Latin writer and the first named non-Roman writer in Latin.…
Valerius Flaccus
Life There is almost no biographical information on Gaius Valerius Flaccus. A manuscript from the Vatican adds the additional names Balbus Setinus. There’s one reference from Quintilian (Inst. Orat. 10.1.190)…
Naevius
Life Gnaeus Naevius was born a Roman citizen in either Rome or Campania. His year of birth is unknown, but it was likely around 270 BCE, since he was old enough…