Alcaeus

Date of Birth: Circa 620 BC

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Circa 560 BC

Biography

Alcaeus of Mytilene was an ancient Greek lyric poet from the island of Lesbos, who flourished in the late 7th century BC. He is considered one of the nine canonical lyric poets of ancient Greece. Alcaeus was born into an aristocratic family and was deeply involved in the political upheavals of his time, often finding himself at odds with the ruling powers. His poetry reflects his personal experiences and political struggles, and he is well-known for his passionate and emotional verse. Alcaeus’ works capture themes of love, politics, and the pleasures of life, and they had a significant influence on later poets, including the Roman poet Horace.

5 Interesting Facts about Alcaeus

1. Alcaeus was a contemporary and reputedly a lover of the famous poet Sappho.

2. His poetry often includes political themes and reflects his involvement in the factional struggles of his homeland.

3. Alcaeus is credited with the invention of the Alcaic stanza, a poetic form that influenced later poets.

4. Much of his work was preserved in fragments and through quotations by later authors.

5. Alcaeus’ poems were written in the Aeolic dialect of ancient Greek.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alcaeus

1. “Wine, dear boy, and truth.”

2. “Not houses finely roofed or the stones of walls well-builded, nay, nor canals and dockyards make the city, but men able to use their opportunity.”

3. “Fight them, fight them! We shall presently grow weary of such dastards.”

4. “Raise high the roof beams, carpenters! Hymenaeus!”

5. “We sail through a sea of troubles.”