Dante Alighieri

Date of Birth: May 21, 1265

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: September 14, 1321

Biography

Dante Alighieri, born Durante di Alighiero degli Alighieri, was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher renowned for his epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” which is widely considered one of the greatest literary works in the Italian language and world literature. Dante was born in Florence, Italy, into a notable family of minor nobility. His early life was marked by the political turmoil of Florence, as he became involved with the Guelphs, a political faction supporting the Papacy. Dante’s literary career was profoundly influenced by his love for Beatrice Portinari, whom he immortalized in his works as an idealized figure of divine love. His other notable works include “La Vita Nuova” (The New Life) and “De Monarchia,” a treatise on political philosophy. After being exiled from Florence due to political conflicts, Dante spent the remainder of his life in various Italian cities, continuing his literary pursuits. “The Divine Comedy,” divided into three parts—Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso—describes Dante’s allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the Roman poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice.

5 Interesting Facts about Dante Alighieri

1. Dante was exiled from Florence in 1302 and never returned to his hometown.

2. “The Divine Comedy” was originally simply titled “Commedia” and was later renamed “Divina” (divine) by Giovanni Boccaccio.

3. Dante wrote “The Divine Comedy” in the Tuscan dialect, which significantly influenced the development of the modern Italian language.

4. He is often referred to as the “Father of the Italian language.”

5. Dante’s remains were originally interred in Ravenna, and despite numerous attempts by Florence to reclaim them, they remain there to this day.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dante Alighieri

1. “In the middle of the journey of our life, I came to myself, in a dark wood, where the direct way was lost.”

2. “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.”

3. “Consider your origins: you were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.”

4. “The more a thing is perfect, the more it feels pleasure and pain.”

5. “Heaven wheels above you, displaying to you her eternal glories, and still your eyes are on the ground.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Dante Alighieri did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. His net worth is not documented, but he lived modestly, especially after his exile.