Silius Italicus

Date of Birth: 28 CE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 103 CE

Biography

Silius Italicus, full name Tiberius Catius Asconius Silius Italicus, was a notable Roman poet and politician born around 28 CE. He is best remembered for his epic poem “Punica,” which details the Second Punic War and is one of the longest surviving works of Latin literature. Italicus had a distinguished public career, serving as consul in 68 CE and later as a governor of Asia. He was also a known admirer of Virgil and Cicero and spent much of his later life in literary pursuits. His death occurred in 103 CE, reportedly by voluntary starvation due to a painful and incurable disease.

5 Interesting Facts about Silius Italicus

1. Silius Italicus’s “Punica” consists of 17 books and over 12,000 lines, making it the longest surviving epic from antiquity.

2. He was a close friend and admirer of the philosopher Seneca.

3. Italicus was known for his luxurious lifestyle and had many villas, including one formerly owned by Cicero.

4. He became a vegetarian in his later years, a rarity in ancient Rome, and was fascinated by Pythagorean philosophy.

5. Despite his political success, Italicus is primarily remembered and respected for his contributions to literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Silius Italicus

1. “True virtue is to live with one’s own conscience.”

2. “The soul, which is eternal, survives the body.”

3. “History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time.”

4. “He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.”

5. “In the face of adversity, remember that the most beautiful flowers bloom in the harshest conditions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Silius Italicus was known to be very wealthy, with a net worth equivalent to several million sesterces, owing to his successful political career and extensive land holdings.

Children

There is little information available about Silius Italicus’s children. It is known that he had at least one son, whom he outlived, but further details about his family are sparse.