Sextus Propertius

Date of Birth: 50–45 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 15 BCE

Biography

Sextus Propertius was a Roman elegiac poet born around 50–45 BCE in Assisi, a town in the Umbria region of Italy. He is best known for his four books of elegies, which are passionate, intricate poems primarily focused on his love for a woman he calls Cynthia. Propertius’s work is often considered alongside those of other major Roman elegists, such as Tibullus and Ovid. Propertius moved to Rome in his youth, where he became part of the literary circle around Maecenas, a prominent patron of the arts. His poetry is distinguished by its complex and allusive style, as well as its intense emotional depth. Propertius’s relationship with Cynthia, described in his poems, likely reflects his real-life experiences, though the exact details remain a subject of scholarly debate. His work was highly influential in both his own time and later periods, continuing to be studied for its artistic and historical significance. Propertius’s elegies not only explore personal themes but also engage with broader cultural and political topics, offering a window into the social dynamics of Augustan Rome.

5 Interesting Facts about Sextus Propertius

1. Propertius’s full name is thought to be Sextus Aurelius Propertius.

2. His literary work was heavily influenced by the political climate of the Augustan regime.

3. Propertius had a close association with the poet Virgil and the patron Maecenas.

4. His poems provide some of the earliest references to the burning of the Library of Alexandria.

5. Propertius’s elegies are among the earliest examples of Roman poetry that reflect a personal and introspective voice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sextus Propertius

1. “Love is bitter, but it is also sweet.”

2. “Every lover is a soldier, and Cupid has his campaigns.”

3. “Let no one be called happy till his death; till then, he is not yet happy, only lucky.”

4. “Fate, show your face, and let us see who is stronger.”

5. “Love is the only thing that can be divided endlessly and still not diminish.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a poet in ancient Rome, Propertius’s net worth is not documented in a modern sense. However, his inclusion in Maecenas’s literary circle suggests he enjoyed a certain level of financial support and social standing.

Children

There is no historical evidence to suggest that Sextus Propertius had any children. His poetry does not mention offspring, focusing instead on his romantic and personal experiences.