Horace

Date of Birth: December 8, 65 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: November 27, 8 BCE

Biography

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, commonly known as Horace, was a leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Augustus. Born on December 8, 65 BCE, in Venusia, Italy, Horace was the son of a freedman who ensured he received a good education. After studying in Rome and Athens, Horace initially served as a military officer in Brutus’s army during the civil wars following Julius Caesar’s assassination. Following the defeat at the Battle of Philippi, he returned to Rome and started writing poetry. Horace’s works include the “Odes,” “Satires,” “Epistles,” and “Ars Poetica,” which have influenced Western literature for centuries. His patron Maecenas and the Emperor Augustus significantly supported him, allowing Horace to focus on his literary pursuits. Horace passed away on November 27, 8 BCE, in Rome.

5 Interesting Facts about Horace

1. Horace was a close friend and protégé of Gaius Maecenas, a prominent ally of Augustus and a notable patron of the arts.

2. Despite his modest background, Horace was granted a Sabine farm by Maecenas, which provided him the tranquility to write his poetry.

3. Horace’s work “Ars Poetica” (The Art of Poetry) has been a critical influence on literary theory and criticism.

4. He was known for his philosophy of “carpe diem” (seize the day), which he expressed in his poetry.

5. Horace never married and had no known children, dedicating his life to his literary and philosophical work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Horace

1. “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.” (Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow.)

2. “A word once uttered can never be recalled.”

3. “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.”

4. “He who has begun has half done. Dare to be wise; begin!”

5. “A picture is a poem without words.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Horace did not accumulate wealth in the modern sense, but his patronage by Maecenas effectively provided him with significant material comfort and social status, which could be considered equivalent to a high net worth in contemporary terms.