Ovid

Date of Birth: March 20, 43 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 17/18 CE

Biography

Publius Ovidius Naso, more commonly known as Ovid, was a Roman poet who lived during the reign of Augustus. Born on March 20, 43 BCE, in Sulmo (modern-day Sulmona, Italy), Ovid was one of the three canonical poets of Latin literature, alongside Virgil and Horace. His most famous works include the “Metamorphoses,” a mythological narrative in 15 books, and “Ars Amatoria” (The Art of Love), a didactic elegy series on love and seduction. Ovid’s poetry is known for its wit, sophistication, and stylistic innovation. He held a significant influence on European art and literature, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Despite his success, Ovid’s life took a dramatic turn when he was exiled by Augustus in 8 CE to Tomis (modern-day Constanța, Romania) for reasons that remain unclear, though Ovid himself cryptically referred to “a poem and a mistake.” He spent the remaining years of his life in exile, continuing to write poetry until his death in 17 or 18 CE.

5 Interesting Facts about Ovid

1. Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” has been a crucial source for classical mythology, influencing countless works of literature, art, and music.

2. He was exiled by Emperor Augustus to Tomis on the Black Sea, a punishment that deeply affected him and his later works.

3. Ovid’s “Ars Amatoria” was considered controversial for its explicit content on love and seduction, which may have contributed to his exile.

4. Despite his exile, Ovid remained immensely popular in Rome, and his works continued to be widely read.

5. The exact reasons for Ovid’s exile remain a mystery, with scholars speculating various political and personal reasons.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ovid

1. “If you want to be loved, be lovable.”

2. “Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all.”

3. “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”

4. “Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.”

5. “What is allowed us is disagreeable, what is denied us causes us intense desire.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

It is challenging to determine an exact net worth for historical figures like Ovid, particularly from ancient times. However, as a respected and widely read poet, Ovid likely enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle before his exile.

Children

There are no historical records that definitively confirm whether Ovid had any children. His personal life, particularly regarding his family, remains largely undocumented.