Epitome

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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 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.…

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)…

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…

Life Phaedrus is traditionally said to be a Thracian slave who flourished in the first half of the first century CE. His exact dates of birth and death are unknown,…

Lucius Annaeus Seneca was an eminent philosopher in Neronian Rome. He is often named Seneca the Younger (Seneca Minor) in English works to distinguish him from his father, Seneca the…