Hey Horace Leave those Greek Poetry Forms Alone!

Hey, Horace, Leave Those Greek Poetry Forms Alone!
Luke Forrester
When one thinks of poetry many different works and writers come to mind. Some
instantly see Poe with his dark gothic settings. Others envision Emily Dickinson, whose deep
poems invoke great feeling in the souls of readers. But these poets would be nothing without
the ancient writers. Those, born in antiquity, who observed the past and experienced some of
the most incredible recorded events to ever occur. But what is it about these ancients that is
so special. Those Greeks and Romans who were inspired to pick up the quill and etch their
emotions, their souls, even the mundane events of their day onto parchment. But these great
writers of the past have given much more to the present than a collection of poems. These
poets helped to form poetry itself, and bring into it, a mixture of culture from across the
Mediterranean Sea. And so by their actions Greek and Roman poetry were fused together,
forming an unbreakable bond which lasts even to this day. But who was the man to really bring
together Greek and Roman poetry? Who could be so inventive as to incorporate Greek poetry
form into his Latin poetry? That man was Quintus Horatius Flaccus, one of the greatest Roman
writers of all time. Through his love of the written word and his passion for writing Horace
revolutionized the way people look at Roman poetry. By Creating a new form of Roman poetry
and his various other affairs Horace became one of most well known and loved Roman lyric
poets to walk the face of the earth.
Before one can examine the writings of a poet, one must know that writer’s past and
present. Horace’s life was filled with turmoil and action, and these contributed to the greatness
of his work.

Horace was born in a small town known as Venosa.
Though not much is known of his mother, his father was likely a freedman. Horace was born
into freedom, however, and never appeared to be ashamed of his father’s past. His father
owned a farm in the town of Venosa, which was the childhood home of Horace. But Horace and
his father did not stay at the farm. They later moved to Rome where his father took a new job.
He worked at an auction house, paying the seller his asking price and then collecting that sum
from the buyer with interest. He made quite a good living in this line of work and soon became
a very rich man. This allowed him to send Horace off get the best education available. Horace
received his main schooling in Rome, while with his father. Once that was completed, Horace
went off to Athens for further study. He learned Greek and Philosophy while at his Athens
university, and was very grateful for his father’s hard work and support. While attending school
in Greece, back home, Julius Caesar had been assassinated in Rome, which began a very nasty
and bloody civil war. Horace joined the army of the Roman Senators and served under the
infamous Brutus. He was appointed tribunus militum, and fought during the Battle of Philippi.
But this civil war was ending. Soon after the Battle at Philippi, Octavian’s forces were declared
the victor and Horace found himself on the wrong side of the political fence. But luckily for him,
he ,as well as all those who had fought against Octavian, was granted amnesty. So, Horace
returned home to Italy, back to the farm where he grew up. But he soon found that the farm
had been confiscated; probably given to one of the officers or other ranking soldiers in
Octavian’s army. Horace now found himself out of house and home. He had become
impoverished overnight and was not in a tough situation. He had to do something to save
himself from dying in the streets. Even though Horace was toughing it out under the harsh
reality of poverty, he had enough funds to procure himself a permanent appointment as a
scriba quaestorius. This position was as an official in the Treasury department. This job allowed
Horace financial security, giving him the ability to write his poetry. He soon became a member
of the ancient Roman literary elite and took the company of friends like Virgil and Lucius Varius
Rufus. Through this circle of friends he was introduced to a man named Maecenas. He was a
personal friend of Emperor Augustus and was very wealthy. Maecenas became Horace’s patron
and soon one of his closest friends. Maecenas even gave Horace an estate in the Sabine Hills.
Horace went to the grave not long after the death of Maecenas. Horace died in the year 8 BCE
at the age of 57. And because Horace had no heirs he decided to give the property to his friend
Emperor Augustus for the use of imperial needs.
Now that Horace’s personal story has been told, perhaps it is time to examine the
history of his writing.
In approximately 35 BC, Book One of Horace’s Satires was published. This was after he
had met Macenas who became his personal friend and patron. The lyric poems within were the
first substantial work of Horace. They drew on a rich Greek background and focused on some of
his Epicurean values. These included Horace’s distain for public life. Instead he wished to have
wisdom and gain it through peace and serenity. Horace also discusses the moral issues of the
day. Some of these were the desire for wealth and power. He also mentions the foolishness of
extremes in any aspect of life. Then Horace speaks of peoples want for inherited wealth, which
is just money given to one who did not earn it. Horace even briefly mentions the malice
brought on by ambition.
The next work to be published by Horace was the Epodes. These were lyric poems filled
with mocking language and intent. But in Horace’s defense he only criticizes the social injustices
and abuses of the time, not any unsavory individuals. Along with the Epodes Horace also
published his second book of Satires. These came out not long after the victory of Octavian,
soon to be Augustus, over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium.
The next work that Horace published became, perhaps, his most well known and loved.
The Odes, which were published around 23 BC in three volumes, showed Horace in an entirely
new light. The Odes are really Horace’s testament to the old Greek lyric poets and are seen as
his initiation into their ranks. Although he takes on the appearance of a Greek lyric poet, Horace
uses his words in a sensitive and economical way. In the Odes Horace writes of nature, love,
and friendship. He even mentions moderation during these works.
Not long after the publishing of the Odes Horace began work on a new project. This was
three Epistles which would be related to poetic works. One of these was the epistle to the
Pisos, which has become known as the Ars Poetica. Another of his epistles called the Carmen
Saeculare and had been written for a ceremony known as the Secular Games. It was within
these works that Horace laid the foundation of his core beliefs. These written works of Horace
show how he wove the influence of the old Greek Lyric poets into his own Latin writings.
But what does Horace himself write about his accomplishments?
And are the teachings of the Greeks somehow hidden within the great writings of Horace?
Ode 3.30 is the ode that finishes Horace’s collection of lyric poetry. This is really the
poem where Horace shares his pride and happiness with his readers. He has a tone of ultimate
confidence and explicitly says takes hold of an accomplishment that it would seem that Horace
deserves. Horace claims that he adapted the Greek style of lyric poetry to the Latin language.
The ode is steeped in grandeur which is testament to the pride of Horace over his own work.
But Horace does not stray long from his Epicurean values. For he references the humble
beginnings of his work using an address akin to prayer to a Muse. He also asks this Muse to
improve his work, thus taking some of his own ego out of the equation.

Horace’s first line of Ode 3.30 “Exegi monumentum aere perennius regalique situ
pyramidum altius,” really shows where this ode is going. Paraphrased, Horace begins
with saying that his writings will last as long as the pyramids of Egypt or bronze. It is obviously
apparent from this line that Horace thinks very highly of his work. And it seems that he has
good reason to be proud. For even though it was one of his biggest fears, not long after his
publication of the Odes they became a textbook for Roman students.
Horace then goes on to say, “quod non imber edax, non Aquilo inpotens,” Here Horace
is essentially saying that his work is even safe from the destructive hands of the North
Wind, with its torrents of rain. Again Horace shows his confidence and pride. Which seem alien
qualities for the Epicurean poet.
Horace continues saying, “Non omnis moriar multaque pars mei uitabit Libitinam,”
Horace once more states the immortality of his work. Paraphrased it means that his poems will
not completely die for many will be avoided by Libitina who was a goddess funerals and,
through association, death. Horace’s confidence in the long life and potential of his poetry
almost becomes redundant at this point. He is so elated that he says not even a god could erase
his work from the world.
Horace continues in Ode 3.30 saying, “usque ego postera crescam laude recens, dum
Capitolium scandet cum tacita uirgine pontifex.” In this excerpt Horace again seems to boost his
ego. Paraphrased it says that he is continually receiving praise for his new and fresh work and
that his work will continue to be great and powerful just as the Roman culture and institutions.
This again relates to Horace’s bursting happiness over the odes and a force that seems to be
manifesting as cockiness in the Epicurean.
The next lines of Horace’s Ode brings his ego into check and functions as constant
reminder to the poet of his own origins and how fragile his fortune really is.
“Dicar, qua uiolens obstrepit Aufidus et qua pauper aquae Daunus agrestium regnauit
populorum, ex humili potens” These particular lines touch on the humbleness and the origins of
Horace. Paraphrased it says that Horace is a powerful person but he comes from the humblest
of origins and that his fame as a poet will extent all the way to his childhood home of Apulia.
This is perhaps lowest Horace’s ego drops in Ode 3.30. But it really shows Horace’s true colors
and how much he really appreciated his accomplishments.
Then Horace really lets us know what the true reason or his happiness is. It’s not just
about his success in the poetry business. It has much more to do with Greek poetry forms and
the Latin language. “princeps Aeolium carmen ad Italos deduxisse modos.” Here Horace gives
us a shocker and quite a blunt statement which stands stark against the nonspecific claims of
pride he spouts earlier in the poem. Paraphrased the passage relates Horace was the first to
bring Aeolic Poetry to Italy or to the Latin language. Horace seems generally convinced of this
and is in no way humble about the accomplishment.
As Ode 3.30 closes Horace exchanges a last word with Melpomene, the muse. Why he
does this is sketchy but it seems that he wants a blessing upon his work and approve of the
poetry. Horace calls out to her saying, “Sume superbiam quaesitam meritis et mihi Delphica
lauro cinge uolens, Melpomene, comam.” It is Horace’s final word in Ode 3.30 and a good
example of the poet’s insecurities, however invisible they may seem. Paraphrased Horace tells
Melpomene of Delphi that she ought to be proud of him and asks if she would be willing to
encircle him and his works, thus approving and providing protection. But Ode 3.30 is not the
only place where Horace shows his true colors.
In the first book of Odes Horace begins with an ode with analyzes some of the paths
people take in their lives and what they believe is important in life. While Horace mentions
great heroes and champions of the Olympic Games, he briefly mentions himself at the end of
the ode. Ode 1.1 is really Horace’s look at the way people see life. But the final two lines
Horace uses to say what is important to him. Horace says, “Quod si me lyricis uatibus
inseres, sublimi feriam sidera uertice.” This sums up the really important thing in life for
Horace. Paraphrased the passage says that if the people can appreciate his lyric poetry and he
has done well in his work that he would be able to reach to the stars and beyond. Essentially
Horace just feels that his lyric poetry is worth his time and effort and he knows that one day it
will all pay off.
It is a well known fact that Horace was an Epicurean or at least held their basest beliefs.
But these tie very easily into his integration on Greek poetry forms into Latin. The Epicureans
were not a people to wait around and waste their time. They openly opposed the divination of
the future, which is the big topic which Horace is ranting against in Ode 1.11. He calls the
practice of such foolish fortune telling a waste of valuable time and wonders why anyone would
really want to know their future. Instead Horace offers his most famous quote of his career.
“carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.” Paraphrased Horace says to seize the day for
time is the most untrustworthy thing of all. This is a perfect example of Epicurean values but it
also shows Horace’s drive to succeed. He would not just wait around for someone else to put
Greek poetry forms into Latin literature. He had the drive needed to become a groundbreaking
poet.
When Horace wrote of The Battle of Actium he did so in an odd fashion. There would
appear to be a true meaning but the poem turns by the end and Horace seems to be a
hypocrite. But the beginning of the poem signifies Horace’s hold on celebration. “Nunc est
bibendum, nunc pede libero pulsanda tellus,” Here Horace tells us that now must be the time
for drinking and dancing because Octavian is victor and Cleopatra is dead. But by the end he
praises Cleopatra’s courage in committing suicide. This shows his deep sense of perspective
which allowed him to integrate the Greeks forms of poetry into the Latin.
Horace is known the world across as one of the greatest Latin writers of all time. During
his life he mingled with Augustus and fought against the republic in the civil war after the
murder of Caesar. Horace was a man who was able to surpass the boundaries of the day. He
broke through the literary restrictions to create something great. Horace’s use of Greek poetry
forms in his Latin writings help revolutionized the poetry of the day and helped to create
Horace’s legacy, which has lasted since the creation of the empire.

Philisophical Questions that bother the brain

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Bad things happen to god people because that is the way the world works. If your looking for some kind of cosmic justice then you better stop living in reality. Events in life happen for a reason but that doesn't mean we have to like it and can't question the system. Or maybe its all just a random assortment of happenings that form our lives. There are no good people only good deeds. People are not inherently good. It is thrust upon them. But those without such requirements develop quite differently. So you ask why bad things happen to good people. Its because people are just people, no adjective. Things happen thats life for you. Some cosmic justice, huh?

Do you believe that there is such a thing as fate?

Fate is another thing i have a proble with. Fate is just a fancy word for actions be predecided or having a purpose. But is it fate that you ran into your ex boyfriend at Starbucks and he totally wanted to get back together with you? This is why i hate fate. the word has become so polluted that no really takes it seriuoslyanymore. Now it remains at the center of teenage girl's conversations. Fate is nothing more than a nice concept that grew way out of proportion. Its a shame too, cause your ex boyfriend is really cute.

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

Civilization

1. The Sumerian civilization lasted from the 6Th millennium BC to the 2Nd millennium BC.

2. Rome lasted from its founding in April 21, 753 BC to its final fall in On September 4, 476 AD.

3. It is a possibility that America could last as long as Rome, but it could never reach the age of the great Sumerian civilization. If America were to last to a great age it would have undergone numerous changes. After suffering a third world war, with many of its great metropolis's in ruins, America would have to rebuild and restore society. The Post-War America would be created with environmentalism, creating a green nation. After enjoying a period of peace, America would fall victim to revolution, bringing about a second civil war. In the chaos a new, golden government would emerge to carry America into the Future. But when America falls it will be because of natural disaster, mass extinction, or Robot uprising. America will go out with a bang and its legacy will last long after the Washington Monument crumbles and Niagara Falls dries up.

Lit Terms Quiz

1. Apostrophe- a turning away from one audience to another that is dead, inanimate, or not present.
2. Chiasmus- the concentric ordering of words. "ABBA"
3. Golden Line- a line which contains 2 adjectives and 2 nouns with a verb between.
4. Enjambment- when one phrase or sentence runs across numerous lines in a poem.
5. Caesura- a pause or break in a line of poetry
6. simile- a comparison between 2 things using like or as.
7. alliteration- the repetition of a word sound used for emphasis
8. Oxymoron- using adjectives to describe something, making it redindent. "A big shrimp"
9. personification- giving human features or actions to inanimate objects.
10. metaphor- a comparsion between 2 things without using like or as.
11. Hyperbole- an exaggeration of an ordinary event or action
12. rhetorical question- a question asked for emphasis and not meant to be answered.
13. irony- when the outcome of an event is not what was expected.
14. amobean- when one group or person is answered by another group or person as in a musical.
15. cataluge- a poetic list.
16. allegory- a long term comparision.
17. epic simile- a comparision between 2 things, one usually mundane while the other is related to nature.
18. ellipsis- the grouping of
19. assonance- bringing two things face to face for comparision.
20. anaphora-

Translation test 12/10

Translate Cat 1

Translate Cat 3.1-5

Translate Cat 7

Translate Cat 10.1-55. Take the point of view of 'The Napkin Thief'!Write a poem (in English) in response to Catullus. You must use three of the same literary devices and the poem you right must be the same length as Catullus'.



Cat.1

What gift of a charming new little book

made smooth by the pumice stone?

Cornelius, you: you and not alone

recieve my praise which you think

when you pour over you maps of Italy

and explore all the tribes which

you teach, Jupiter, and labor!

How do I have such a little book of whatever sort

which, o patron of the twins,

for one man's sacred work.



cat 3 1-5

Lament, Venus and Cupid,

and as much as human divine,

my girl's sparrow is dead,

the sparrow, the desire of my girl,

which she loved more than her own eyes--



Cat 7

Ask me how many of your kisses

Lesbia, are above enough.

Their great number is like the Libyian sand

filled with silphium between

the oracle of Cyrenis and the sacred tomb of Batti;

however when the many stars, when shining at night,

alone the people see their love:

so your kiss which is many kisses

offers enough and is above for Catullus,

which neither able to be curious for the number

nor makes evil language.



Cat 10 1-5

Varus my man of leisure sighted me in the forum and

wished to show me his new love:

a chippy bimbo ( so much that I repeated my look)

neither ungraceful nor unlovely;

this so that we came, the noble incident...



A Resopnse to The Napkin Theif

O Catullus, you silly man!

How can you attack me

when you are not so perfect

yourself? Oh how you embarrass yourself!

The erotic poet, how can you point fingers?

I can hear the papyrus weeping as you record

your filth onto its surface.

If you must know about my love

of the napkin, it is because

they bring me great joy.

There is nothing more fufilling

than spending a night

folding napkins or creating a pile

and hurling myself into them.

And upon my descent

into the vast unknown

I will hope to buried among my passion.

So leave me alone Catullus or

you may find yourself napkinless.

Riots In the Streets of Athens

There is a Greek tragedy playing right now in the streets of Athens. After Athenian police killed a 15 year old boy, who was committing vandalism, the city descended into hell. There have been reports of looting, homemade bombs, and even the burning of a massive Christmas Tree. This is obviously a terrible occurrence in a place with a majestic history. But this is to be expected of any society. When someone is killed who didn't deserve it, especially a young kid, people will take action to enact revenge upon the guilty. In this case the guilty party has become Athens its self. We can only hope that the rioting citizens can find some peace before the whole of Athens lies in ruins. But perhaps this is but hopeful wishing.

Nepos Hannibal bio paragraph 7

[7] Cum in apparando acerrime esset occupatus, Carthaginienses bellum cum Romanis composuerunt. Ille nihilo setius exercitui postea praefuit resque in Africa gessit [itemque Mago frater eius] usque ad P. Sulpicium C. Aurelium consules. 2 His enim magistratibus legati Carthaginienses Romam venerunt, qui senatui populoque Romano gratias agerent, quod cum iis pacem fecissent, ob eamque rem corona aurea eos donarent simulque peterent, ut obsides eorum Fregellis essent captivique redderentur. 3 His ex senatus consulto responsum est: munus eorum gratum acceptumque esse; obsides, quo loco rogarent, futuros; captivos non remissuros, quod Hannibalem, cuius opera susceptum bellum foret, inimicissimum nomini Romano, etiamnum cum imperio apud exercitum haberent itemque fratrem eius Magonem. 4 Hoc responso Carthaginienses cognito Hannibalem domum et Magonem revocarunt. Huc ut rediit, rex factus est, postquam praetor fuerat, anno secundo et vicesimo. Ut enim Romae consules, sic Carthagine quotannis annui bini reges creabantur. 5 In eo magistratu pari diligentia se Hannibal praebuit, ac fuerat in bello. Namque effecit, ex novis vectigalibus non solum ut esset pecunia, quae Romanis ex foedere penderetur, sed etiam superesset, quae in aerario reponeretur. 6 Deinde [anno post praeturam] M. Claudio L. Furio consulibus Roma legati Carthaginem venerunt. Hos Hannibal ratus sui exposcendi gratia missos, priusquam iis senatus daretur, navem ascendit clam atque in Syriam ad Antiochum profugit. 7 Hac re palam facta Poeni naves duas, quae eum comprehenderent, si possent consequi, miserunt, bona eius publicarunt, domum a fundamentis disiecerunt, ipsum exulem iudicarunt.


When he was in an apperently sharp occupation, They composed the Carthaginian war with Rome. This was not often an excuse to be ablely prepared and the incident in Africa was finished [his belongings and brother Mago] and so to the Consuls P. Sulpicium and C. Aurelium. These leaders saw the places of Carthage and Rome, which the senate and the Roman people were otherwise grateful, how they made it with peace, and he called the other affair his gift and the simulation paramount, so that he claimed power over and they captured Fregellis. the response from the senators was such: his many thanks

Catullus 10

Catullus 10
A bad moment with Varus and his girl
My Varus took me at leisure out of the forum
To see his love:
A chippy little bimbo ( that suddenly my view was her)
Who surely was not unbecoming nor unlovely;
That while we came upon her place, we fell upon
Topics of conversation, in which how
Bithynia was now, to which place they only have,
And because the air was fleeing.
I responded because of her: nothing and not himself
neither governor nor his entourage,
why she referred to anyone’s rich head:
especially how he the governor forced
oral pleasure, and not that his cohort was worth much.
“But certainly however,” they said “because those
Offspring were bestowed to you, obtain
To you your manly bed.” I (that one girl
Made me so happy)
“No,” I say “my spiteful flee was such,
So that, because evil fell upon the province,
They were not able to prepare the eight upstanding people.”
(But I was not hers neither in this nor that
Fact which your shameful cot
In it I set myself that I was able to arrange a marriage bed.)
This that, so that she said it as an unsavory character,
“Pray,” she said “to me, my Catullus, for a little while
This convenient: for I am willing to travel to the temple of Serapis.”
“In the morning,” says the girl,
“as for that which you only claim to have…
I made a mistake: my comrade –
Cinna- Gauis Cinna that is—that ready himself.
Actually whether these or mine, which to me?
Use as much of my good as prepared.
But your Evil Island and troublesome men,
For which no neglecting is permitted!”


1. Catullus claims to have brought 8 litter bearers back from Bithynia. He is caught when the mistress asks to borrow them and he cannot produce them.

2. The girl says that she wants to take the litter bearers to the temple of Serapis. This was an Egyptian god of healing. It would show that she was a prostitute of loose morals because the temple was a place of high standing in such communities.

Catullus 7 How Many Kisses

Ask me how many of your kisses, Lesbia,
May be enough and great.
How great a number reclining on Libyan sand
Producing Cyrenian silphium
Between The writhing oracle of Jupiter
And the sacred tomb of Battus;
Or how many stars, when the silent night,
They see the secret love of the people:
So your kisses many frenzied kisses
Are enough and are above Catullus’,
Which neither count out busybodies
Nor are able create bad words.

Google Earth -- Its Neat!!

Well I did some exploring of Ancient Rome in the new Google Earth and I came up with some ideas for its use.

1. Do an entire aerial tour of Rome, pointing out some of the major and historically important places and buildings.
2. Go to the temples of the major gods and goddesses and explore the outside and inside (if available). Then discuss the history of that particular god and how it fits into the mythology.

That's all the ideas I could come up with. I hope it was helpful.

SSALP Second helping

Here it is Sports Fans. SSALP number 2 of the week



Lapsus Nivium!

Avalanche!!



Well there you go folks. Enjoy warning skiers of their impending death. As for me, I'm off to foil he plans of a certain silly rabbit. Until next time...

Man, Christmas is Weird!

That's right folks ts finally here. My new Christmas series where i take a look at all the weird and pagan aspects of out favorite Christian holiday. Lets start out with the beginning. And it just so happens to pertain to the ancient Romans.

The origin for Christmas's placement on the calender comes from the Roman celebration of Saturnalia. It began on December 17 and ran on to the winter solstice. There were lavish feasts and all sorts of partying and merriment. Then for the celebration of the new year they would brink in and decorate evergreen trees and exchange gifts. Luckily enough many of the Roman Saturnalia traditions lent themselves nicely to the new religion of Christianity. We get most of our well known Christmas traditions from Saturnalia practices.

Well I hope You learned something and will pass along this info to your friends. As for me, I'm off to beat up some hobbits. Until next time...

SSALP Double helping week

Hello all and its time for Super special awesome Latin Phrases. to celebrate the Holiday of Thanksgiving I'm giving you a double helping of Phrases and also the first taste of my New weekly Christmas series. So enjoy your first phrase and look for the second later on...

Credo Elvem etiam vivere.
I believe Elvis lives.

Enjoy living up your delusions with this one folks. As for me, I'm off to play hoops with Jarjar Binks. Until next time...

What’s so great about Epicureanism?

What’s so great about Epicureanism?
Luke Forrester
In the ancient world there were numerous schools of thought. These covered all topics
and opinions and were very popular among the people. It seemed that everyone and their dog
belonged to one formal school of thought or another. But one of the stand outs among the
endless sea of askers why is Epicureanism. The reason that this school of thought’s existence is
even known is because of a little poet called Horace. The very same Horace who coined the
term “carpe deim”. Through his writing and poetry Horace rose from being a homeless veteran
of the civil wars to being in Emperor Augustus’s circle of friends. Epicureanism was
founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. It taught that the greatest pleasures in life were
obtained through knowledge, friendship, and living a virtuous life. They also taught that you
only live once, so enjoy yourself. Epicureans were all about getting the best with what you had.
They believed that the ultimate good was to seek modest pleasures that they may attain a state
of tranquility and to be free of fear. Also this state would free them of pain. The state was
obtained through the knowledge of the workings of the world and knowing limits to their
desires. It was originally a challenge to Platonism but was later a main opponent of Stoicism.
These were both rival schools of thought. The students of Epicureanism shunned politics. It was
also considered a form of hedonism, as its main goal is to destroy pain through moderation.
Usually these schools of thought were most popular in Greece, but Romans who took to them
would bring back such ideals with them. They would then tell their friends and family and try to
convince them of its validity. This was how these schools of thought spread and gained new
members. Such teachings and ideals could spread across groups of people like wildfire, making
an impact in the culture. But out of the hundreds of thousands of schools of thought from
ancient Greece and Rome, almost all died out and were forgotten. But why, if these schools of
thought were so popular and influential, would they all die out? Perhaps they died with the
Roman Empire. Or, in the insuring chaos of the fall, people abandoned their adapted morals for
survival. But what is certain is that all those old schools of thought died out. They all were not
impressive enough to keep their members. Every one of those schools had different beliefs and
thoughts and opinions yet they were weak and broke easily. Epicureanism and all of its
contemporaries were nothing but ineffective cults based on logic and opinion and that is why
they have not survived the ages.
To begin to understand what Epicureanism was, it is imperative to look at the entire
history of the school of thought. Epicureanism was founded by a man named Epicurus. He
based the teachings off his gardening experience. Epicureanism was even called “The Garden”.
In general it was a small school of thought but had very devoted followers. Epicureanism
focused more on friendship and relationships as the course to happiness and its members were
no fans of Athenian politics. The school included women and slaves as members, which was
unusual for the time. It is also likely that its members were vegetarians.
Epicureanism is considered one of the three dominant schools of Hellenistic Philosophy.
It shares this title with Stoicism and Skepticism. The three are included in this category because
they survived until the late Roman Empire. Although Epicureanism was enjoying a strong
following it could not live forever. The real death blow to the philosophy was the Edict of Milan.
When Constantine issued this decree and legalized Christianity, the view of Epicureanism
shifted. Christians did not approve of its religious teachings, portrayal of the gods, and
materialistic roots. So began the death of Epicureanism.
The religious teachings that Epicurus passed on to his school of thought are very
interesting and yet quite confusing to one without prior learning in mythology. He taught that
the gods were just there. They had no real purpose except to watch man, like one would watch
ants in an ant farm. This was because the gods were dwelled far from the earth and thus cared
little about humans. Epicurus used this as an explanation to why sacrificing and praying to the
gods was a useless and nonsensical practice. He also claimed that the gods were not the
creators of the universe and, therefore, could not bless nor punish anyone. Because Epicurus
was a huge proponent of the atomic theory of Democritus, he included it in his musings on the
true nature of the gods. Epicurus decided that the gods were made of atoms, just like
everything else. He then went further and claimed that souls were also made of atoms and,
thus, physical energies. But in no way does Epicurus claim that the gods do not exist. Instead,
he paints them as peaceful, immortal beings that dwell in the vastness of space. Epicurus also
explained his beliefs about atom based souls. He claimed that souls, were bound to the bodies
of humans. But that these physical souls were not attached forever, and will escape the body
upon the person’s death. Yet Epicurus taught that there was no life after death. But these were
just his teachings on religious topics. What were the philosophies that Epicurus taught?
The philosophies of Epicureanism are all really centered on the individual and that
person’s own need. The core belief of Epicurean philosophy was that personal pleasure was the
only real good in life. This philosophy of Epicurus was all about gleaning the most pleasure out
of one’s life while doing so in moderation to avoid the discomfort of gluttonous overindulgence.
But this was meant to mean that the pleasures of the mind were the most important. Epicurus
frowned upon physical pleasure because it disturbed one’s peace of mind. He taught that all
desires were to be fought and suppressed. He was also not a huge fan of learning, for he
claimed that it gave rise to desires which could not be suppressed of quenched and, thus, sent
one’s peace of mind into a chaotic downward spiral. This applied for culture, civilization, social
activity, and politics. Epicurus was also not a huge proponent for knowledge. He taught that
knowledge was only to be sought to obliterate fears. These fears were the fear of gods and the
fear of death. Epicurus also wasn’t a marriage fan. He claimed it constantly threatened one’s
peace of mind. Because of this Epicurus lived a life of celibacy but did not require his followers
to do the same. Epicurus also did not advise crime of any nature. His reason was not because of
the moral implications, but because of the fear of discovered and punished. This fear would rob
one’s life of pleasure, making committing crimes damaging to the enjoyment of life. Epicurus
taught that virtue was really not essential to life. In fact, the only reason virtue would be
considered by an Epicurean would be if it led to some sort of happiness. But the one thing
Epicurus thought was very important to life was friendships. Friendships gave satisfaction and
pleasure to multiple parties and thus were essential to living a fulfilling life.
Epicurus also had teachings about justice. He held that justice was to be like a social
contract. To Epicurus justice was an arrangement where one does not do harm and thus is not
harmed. Epicurus taught that the only reason to dwell within the ranks of a society regulated by
laws, was to know that one was protected and thus free to seek happiness. Thus, Epicurus said
that all laws which do not further human happiness are unnecessary.
Now that the history and teachings of Epicureanism have been established, its time to
meet some of the men among the ranks of Epicurus.
During the golden age of Epicureanism there was a man in Rome who was very devoted
to the school of thought. His name was Lucretius and he was very enthusiastic about recruiting
new members to the Epicurean school of thought. He wrote an epic poem called On the Nature
of Things which consisted of six books all in the interest of gaining new members. The poem
mostly deals with the Epicurean views of nature. Some of major members were Hermarchus,
Idomeneus, Colotes, Metrodorus, and Polyaenus.
But the most famous Epicurean is yet to have his say. He was a man who wrote
numerous poems and satires. He is one of the greatest Roman poets known to the modern
world. His name is Horace and he was, truly, an Epicurean.
The man known commonly as Horace was born in a small town known as Venosa.
Although not much is known of his mother, Horace’s father was most likely a freedman. Horace
was born free, however, and was not ashamed of his father’s past. His father owned a farm in
the town of Venosa, which was the childhood home of Horace. But they did not stay at the farm
forever. Horace and his father later moved to Rome where his father took a new job. He
worked at an auction house, paying the seller his asking price and then collecting that sum from
the buyer with interest. He made quite a killing in this line of work and soon became a wealthy
man. This allowed him to send Horace off get the best education available. Horace received his
primary schooling in Rome, while living with his father. Once that was completed, Horace was
sent off to Athens for further learning. He studied Greek and Philosophy while at his Athens
University, and was eternally grateful for his father’s hard work and support. While attending
school in Athens, Julius Caesar was assassinated by the Senate in Rome, which began a very
nasty and bloody civil war. Horace joined the army of the Roman Senate and served under the
infamous Brutus. He was appointed tribunus militum, and fought as such during the Battle of
Philippi. But this civil war was not to last for much longer. Soon after the Battle at Philippi,
Octavian’s forces were declared the victor and Horace found himself on the wrong side of the
political fence. But luckily for Horace, it was decided that all those who had fought against
Octavian would be granted amnesty. So, Horace returned home to Italy, back to the farm that
had belonged to his father. But he soon discovered that the farm had been confiscated; most
likely to be given to one of the officers or other ranking soldiers in Octavian’s army. Horace now
found himself without out of house and home. He had become impoverished overnight and
could see no silver lining. Horace had to do something to save himself from dying in the streets
so he got a job. Even though he was suffering under the harsh reality of poverty, Horace had
enough funds to procure himself a permanent appointment as a scriba quaestorius. This
position was as an official in the Treasury department. This job allowed Horace financial
security, giving him the ability to write his poetry. Horace soon became a member of the
ancient Roman literary elite. He became friends with Virgil and Lucius Varius Rufus. Through
this circle of friends he was introduced to a man named Maecenas. Maecenas was a personal
friend of Emperor Augustus and had a good deal of money. He became Horace’s patron and
soon the two became close friends. Maecenas even gave Horace an estate in the Sabine Hills.
Horace’s life ended not long after the death of Maecenas. Horace died in the year 8 BCE at the
age of 57. And what of Horace’s magnificent estate? Because Horace had no heirs he decided to
give the property to his friend Emperor Augustus for the use of imperial needs.
The life of Horace was one filled with unexpected events and fruitful friendships. But
what of Horace the Epicurean? If Horace was such a dedicated Epicurean and a poet, then his
beliefs must have bled into his writings, right? That is a question which can only be answered by
examining the works of the man himself.
Horace wrote many poems in his time. His favorite to write, and the type he specialized
in, was lyric poetry. Horace’s writings also varied on the way they were presented. Horace
wrote numerous Odes, all which were untitled. He also wrote satires which poked fun at
different topics. But the place where his Epicurean values are most present are in the Odes.
One of his first Odes, Ode 1.1, has a very strong Epicurean undertone. The poem deals with the
decisions people make in deciding what to do with their lives. At the end Horace states his
choice of writing lyric poetry. Horace shows that even though his is not the most exciting or
heroic, it is what makes him happy. And the quest for happiness in life is central to Epicurean
philosophy. Another poem which shows Epicurean traits is Ode 1.37. This Ode speaks of
Cleopatra’s defeat at the battle of Actium and her honorable suicide. Horace mentions that it
was a time for drinking and celebration. But Horace also warns against too much celebration as
it brings on unfounded overconfidence. This resembles the Epicurean teaching that
overindulgence is bad and should be avoided. In Ode 2.3 Horace speaks of moderation,
enjoyment and death to Dellius. The moderation of pleasure to get the full enjoyment out of
life is a solid Epicurean teaching while death is represented as an exile, emphasizing the need to
make the most out of life now and not wait. In Ode 2.10 Horace argues in favor of building
one’s life around a golden mean. This meaning that it is best to follow the middle road than
rather lean to one side or the other. This exhibits the Epicurean teaching that moderation in all
things was the path to happiness in life. The final Ode which exhibits an outwardly Epicurean
view is Ode 1.11. This is a true example of Epicureanism at work. The poem mainly deals with
known that being satisfied with your current conditions and let fate guide you than to try to see
the future. And while this is, itself, a pure example of Epicurean philosophy this poem contains
one of the most famous Latin quotes in the history of the language. This is the poem in which
Horace unleashed his phrase, carpe diem, seize the day. This has become like a slogan for
Epicureanism. Those two little words embody the heart and soul of Epicurean philosophy. Seize
the day for that’s all we really have in life.
For all of its logical explanations and philosophical beliefs, Epicureanism is still nothing
more than an ancient hedonistic cult. Now the term cult is used lightly and only to describe a
group of people brought together under one man’s philosophy, but Epicureanism is still nothing
more than one man’s musings about things. Epicurus based his whole philosophy on his
gardening. His teachings about the gods were heretical, even in his polytheistic culture. But
Epicureanism was not entirely bad. It gave answers to many people who were searching for
something to believe in. it inspired one of the greatest Latin writers to compose in its honor.
But for all its good, Epicureanism was still a system of falsehoods based upon the perceptions of
a man who believed that moderation was the path to happiness.
The ancient school of philosophy known as Epicureanism has had quite the run. It began
as one man’s musings and beliefs and became a strong and popular school of thought. Its
secular teachings and core values of happiness in life became a writing topic for Horace and
leant to his success. And although Epicureanism died out it left its permanent mark on history.
But Epicureanism was only a school of philosophy and held no merit to the progressing world.

A Blade of Nature

The beauty of it is unmatched.
Forged deep in the Woods of Crownsville, Place of Kings,
And bestowed upon a small shop in Revel Grove.
It became my tool, to use it as I may,
And yet the blade breathes in the cool air,
It roars as I swing it through the air,
But it is not unkind to its opponents.
It has rested by my side
For many a year.
The fate of warrior and gentleman
Have been decided by its strike.
The strength that was imbued to the thing
At its birth continues to amaze me.
And though it has no heartbeat
I can still fell the life inside,
Just waiting to be unleashed upon someone
Foolish enough to challenge its master.
Its kind were once known in such places as Hyperborea,
Far beyond the Thrace, in places where the ancients slumber
In darkness.
The blade has become what no person could,
The faithful companion a true hero needs.
But I am still only mortal…
Oh Great Odin, Lord of the Northern Ice, give me strength!
Reaper of the Grim, guide my blade!
Let the entire world know of the blade
Made of cherry wood which rests atop my mantel.

Catullus 4 A Bark's Dedication

It seems that ship, stranger,
which was the swiftest vessel,
and no attack from any floating vessel is able to get through,
weather the work might fly from the oars or the sails.
And this denied that menacing Adriatic
Was not the shore of the island of Cyclades
And noble Rhodes and the wild Thrace
And the sea of Marmora to without the peace of the Black Sea
(when before this was a future vessel it was a leafy forest—
For Mt. Cytorius in joining
Spoke often of the rustling of leaves).
Amastrius on the Black Sea and Mt. Cytorius producing box-wood,
Which has been and is known to this ship,
Made from the final origin you set up in the peak,
He drenched his palm in the sea;
And from that point on the sea boiled up for he was wild
He called the wind weather left or right,
Or weather Jupiter and at the same time the second occurred in the corner;
And not any avoided the shore where the god himself did the deed,
When he comes to the sea
The last which was this constantly clear lake.
But that before fled; now recognized
The old repose and he dedicated this,
The twin Castor and the twin Pollux.

Extra credit Horace Ode 1.37 test

The dedications at the beginnings of Horace and Catullus's books are very different. Horace's dedication is a noble act of praise to a man he holds in high regard. He Tells Macenas that he is descended from royal ancestors and he gives him his defense. A very serious and grand dedication.

While Catullus does the exact opposite. He dedicates his book to his friend Cornelius who is a historian who pours over maps. He praises Cornelius throughout and seems to belittle his own book but it is obvious what Catullus is doing. He is being sarcastic and mocking his friend for wasting his time while Catullus has fun. It shows that Catullus is nothing like Horace or Cornelius who write of great people throughout history. Catullus just wants to write about his activities of the day or about his girlfriend.

Horace Ode 1.37 test

Horace Ode 1.37

Now is the time for drinking, now we are free
to strike the ground with our feet, now decorate the scared couch of the Salii
for the gods for it is the time to feast, companion.
previously crimes were produced from the ancestral storeroom of the choice wine from Caecubum, as long as the Capitoline ruin the insane queen of mad death and power is prepared with the impure company of ugly diseased men, anyone of swift fortune and a sweet drunk; but weaken the scarcely one ship to escape, and her frenzied chin reduces the wine from Mareotis in the time Caesar speeds to Actium pressing hard on the oars, just as the hawk catches the soft dove that the hunter on the snowy plain of Thessaly gets the swift hare, so chain that deadly monster, who perished nobly not like a woman afraid of the sword, not lying hidden obtaining a swift political measure, they wait and pine to see the serene face of the queen, strong and fierce in handling the serpents, so that her body drinks up the dark venom, deliberating to bear death, her people on the ships envy her in private for she is lead away triumphant not like a woman.

Christmas is coming...

As I'm sure you are all aware, the Christmas season is fast approaching. And that means I'm starting a new feature here on Rancor. I'm giving you the origins of Christmas and little fun facts on this Roman inspired holiday. This is gonna be a whole lotta fun so mark your calenders. The first post will be coming at ya real soon. Until next time...

Lit Terms in Horace Ode 1.37

1. In line 17 there is a simile.
2. In line 16 the literal definition of ab Italia id used
3. In line 13 Horace uses exaggeration for effect.

Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases

A new week is upon us and that means its time time for....Cats in blankets. Um....hold on. AH HA!!!! I GOTCHA YOU STUPID LITTLE GHOST!!! Sorry about that folks but there was ghost in the machine. Now, where was I? Oh right, time for Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases. This week I'm giving you all a great battle cry, as well as an obscure refrence to an '80 cartoon.



Magister Mundi sum!

I am the Master of the Universe!



There you go, kids. Enjoy screaming this at random people who will have no idea what your talking about. As for me, I'm off to meet the Jetsons. Until next time...

Horace translation test 11/12/08

Maecenas atauis edite regibus,o et praesidium et dulce decus meum, sunt quos curriculo puluerem Olympicum collegisse iuuat metaque feruidis euitata rotis palmaque nobilis terrarum dominos euehit ad deos;

Maecenas being descended from royal ancestors, i give to him my sweet defense, they who circle the in the dust of the Olympic course and whose wheels spin he reaches out and grasps the noble palm branch and he is the the master of the world to the gods;



Tu ne quaesieris (scire nefas) quem mihi, quem tibi finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios temptaris numeros. Vt melius quicquid erit pati! Seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam, quae nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare Tyrrhenum, sapias, uina liques et spatio breui spem longam reseces. Dum loquimur, fugerit inuida aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.

You need not rely on those (know not), they give to your days a an end, Leuconoe, the Babylonian numbers do. They are an evil to us! The many days which are tribute ultimately to Jupiter, which now oppose the deliberate danger of the Tyrrhenum Sea, though, one life and a brief time for a long rest. So be aware, as the envious time flees: seize the day, who is as least credulous as possible.

Vocab 1.1 and 1.11

1. rex- king
2. praisidium- defense
3. corruclum- course
4. pulvus- take
5. dominus- master
6. turba- rough
7. gaudeo- honor
8. pavidus- care for
9. mercator- merchant
10. bratis- brave
11. litius- lean
12. detestor- disapprove
13. plaga- annoy
14. frons- low plants
15. melior- sea
16. hiems- cliff
17. tribuo- honor, glory, tribute
18. pomex- profecience.
19. spotium- claim
20- recitium- aid
21. itias- river
22. carpe diem- seize the day

The Fabulous Beasts of Antiquity

Its time to keep hope alive in this post-Halloween edition of the Fabulous Beasts of Antiquity. This time I'm turning in the old Monster Manual to an old favorite...... the Griffin. For those of you who aren't educated in the field of monsters, the griffin was a beast with the head and wings of an eagle, and the body of lion. Pretty sweet, huh? Some griffins were said to have guarded great riches deep in the mountains of the north and east. Some tribes were said to battle with the griffins for their treasures. But I'll let Pliny the Elder take it from here: "Also a tribe is reported next to these [i.e. the tribes of Skythia], towards the North, not far from the actual quarter where Aquilo [Boreas the North Wind] rises and the cave that bears its name, the place called the Earth’s Door-Bolt (Ges Clithron)--the Arimaspi whom we have spoke of already, people remarkable for having one yes in the centre of their forehead. Many authorities, the most distinguished being Herodotus [Greek historian C5th B.C.] and Aristeas of Proconnesus [Greek poet C7th B.C.], write that these people wage continual war with the Grypes (Griffins), a kind of wild beast with wings, as commonly reported, that digs gold out of mines, which the creatures guard and the Arimaspi try to take from them, both with remarkable covetousness." Sounds like quite a charming creature.

I hope you all enjoyed this trip into the weird and mystical, folks. For all you monster hunters in training I recommend http://www.theoi.com/ . Have fun using this information to put yourselves in danger, kids. As for me, I'm off to answer some rhetorical questions. Until next time...

SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME LATIN PHRASES

Hello everybody and welcome to a very special "late in the week" edition of SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME LATIN PHRASES!!!!!!!!! And because it is such a lat installment I'm bringing out the big guns. This one works for all occasions especially when encountering one who asks you to comment on their amount of a certain vegetable. Enjoy...

Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est.
Yes, that is a very large amount of corn.

There you have it. A special gift from me to you. So I hope you have fun with this one, kids. As for me, I'm off to save John Connor. Until next time...

Relevant Election Day Topics

1. In Athens male citizens who had served in the military had the right to vote. It was individual votes that each person cast that would determine a decision. They would each pick up one stone: white for yes, Black for no. that stone was then place into a basket and the votes counted. Each person represented themselves.
2. Senators were elected by the people and the senate led by a Consul.
3. In the Roman Empire Democracy was not supported. The will and word of the emperor was law. This was decided when Augustus took control of the republic as its all powerful ruler, becoming the first emperor.
4. It is most closely based on the voting practices of the Roman Republic because people are represented by Individuals. But the individual people vote for the president and their local representatives.
5. I think that the Roman republic/ Modern day American voting styles work the best. I think that the Athenian practice works the worst because it is too time consuming and involved, especially when you have a large population of voters. In an ideal world voting would be simple. Just have a decision in your mind and it gets recorded to a massive database. The tallies are counted up automatically without any error. It would probably involve electrodes. Very science fiction and very effective.

Sources
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=04iaAAAAIAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP12&dq=democracy+in+the+roman+empire&ots=wqBR0OZHXY&sig=nNQQkdRWI7VLY-mB8gemjvZjo7I#PPA3,M1

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=RxH3UcC2FYwC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=democracy+in+athens&ots=4ENgMnCRoS&sig=nCatVKwHqIV4IX92rPuaNHXznJ0
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=iBSE68tz8RUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=democracy+in+the+Roman+Republic&ots=oU_X72eGhy&sig=HkKIMD0qnfC9OHWI507mudYW1XA
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jDSMzphpw7YC&oi=fnd&pg=PP13&dq=democracy+in+ancient+athens&ots=KX_0E1Wi_J&sig=viXv9RU6HERwow-i7K_qwg7vlyk

Horace Ode 1.1 Caesura Identification

Ode 1.1 Caesura identification
1. Between atavis and edite- it seems to draw attention to Maecenas.
2. Between et and dulce- shows Horace’s defense of Maecenas.
3. Between curriculo and pulverem- builds suspense before diving directly into the poem.
4. Between iuvat and metaque- just a resting point to catch a breath.
5. Between rotis and palmaque- makes the reader focus on the chariot wheels to immerse them in the action.
6. Between dominos and evehit- shows the significance of the race winner being a ruler of the world.
7. Between mobilium and turba- dwells on the devotion of the Roman people.
8. Between tergeminis and tollere- defines the magnificence of the triple honor.
9. Between proprio and condidit- a pause in the reading
10. Between Libycis and verritur- draws focus to the farming methods
11. Between patrios and findere- gives special attention to the hoe.
12. Between Attalicis and condicionibus- draws attention to the refrence to King Attalicus
13. Between demoveas and ut- a pause before entering the next example.
14. Between pavidus and nauta- builds suspense in reference to the Myrtoan Sea.
15. Between Icariis and fluctibus- used to give precedent to the allusion.
16. Between metuens and otium- allows for the picture to sink into the reader’s mind.
17. Between sui and mox- a pause expressed through a coma.
18. Between indocilis and pauperiem- ends the subject of the sea
19. Between veteris and pocula- dwells on the subject of wine.
20. Between solido and demere- shows value of the day
21. Between viridi and membra- expresses importance of new life
22. Between aquae and lene- slows to venerate the sacred water.
23. Between iuvant and et- dwells on the military horns.
24. Between sonitus and bellaque- builds suspense as the call of the horns mix.
25. Between manet and sub- a pause before entering the topic of Jupiter.
26. Between tenerae and coniugis- a break in describing Jupiter’s hunting habits.
27. Between catulis and cerva- descriptive pause
28. Between teretes and Marsus- reading pause to allow for rest
29. Between hederae and praemia- dwells on the prize.
30. Between superis and me- expresses the importance of the gods
31. Between leves and cum- descriptive pause allowing the allusion to mythology.
32. Between populo and si- reading pause signified by a coma.
33. Between cohibet and nec- reading pause signified by coma.
34. Between refugit and tendere- expresses the actions of the nymphs.
35. Between lyricis and vatibus- shows the significance of Horace talking directly to the reader.
36. Inside the word sidera- shows the significance of the sky in the final line of the poem.

Horace Ode 1.1

Horace: He did stuff

Horace lived a very exciting and adventurous life but one of the more interesting things to come from his life happened in death. On his deathbed, with no heirs, he donated his estate to Emperor Augustus. Horace's estate still exists and has now become a place of pilgrimage for the literary elite. What a wonderful meeting place for Latin teachers to hang out and drink tea.

Ovid: He was an interesting guy

When Ovid was exiled to Tomis on the Black Sea by Augustus he was feeling pretty rotten. During his time in exile he wrote two new works: the Tristia and Epistulae ex Ponto. Originally Ovid feared the native barbarians but he eventually makes friends with them, and claimed to have written a poem in their honor. It just goes to show that people can make friends in the strangest places.

Epicureanism

Define and discuss Epicureanism.
The school of philosophy founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. It taught that the greatest pleasures in life were obtained through knowledge, friendship, and living a virtuous life. They believed that the ultimate good was to seek modest pleasures that they may attain a state of tranquility and to be free of fear. Also this state would free them of pain. The state was obtained through the knowledge of the workings of the world and knowing limits to their desires. It was originally a challenge to Platonism but was later a main opponent of Stoicism. The students of Epicureanism shunned politics. Although it had a noble cause and strong support it died out by the end of the Roman Empire.

Lyric Poetry

What is lyric poetry? What is the relation of Latin lyric to Greek?

Lyric poetry was poetry written using the meters created by the Greek lyric poets. It was originally meant to be accompanied by a lyre. Latin lyric poetry is based on the meters used by the ancient Greek poets who re responsible for its invention.

Horace: A History

Historical Context



The time in which Horace lived was one of conflict and upheaval. His teen years were overshadowed by the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. He even fought on the side of the tyrannicides after Caesar's assassination. Horace was present at the Battle of Philippi where Octavian and Antony won the war and took control of Rome. He was also around to see Augustus take power and unify the Roman empire for a time of great peace. Horace wrote about the events of the time along with his friend Virgil. It shows in his writing how the roman republic struggled and finally collapsed but was brought back from the brink by an absolute ruler.

Horace's Life.

He was born Quintus Horatius Flaccus on December 8, 65 BCE in the town of Venusia. His father was a freedman who may have been taken captive at one point in time. nothing is known about Horace's mother. Horace's father gave him a good education, one common for the equestrian class at the time. After his initial studies he went to the University of Athens for further learning. It was there that, after Caesar's assassination, he was recruited by Marcus Brutus and joined the Tyrannicide army.In the army he was appointed tribunus militum or military tribune. he fought and lost with the tyrannicides at the battle of Philippi but was pardoned and returned to Italy. He found his estate to have been taken and facing poverty, Horace began to write poetry professionally. He got the job of scriba quaestorius which meant he was clerk to the heads of the Treasury. By the thirties BCE Horace became friends with Virgil and Varius who introduced him to Maecenas. Through his relationship with Maecenas he was able to make his way up the ranks to become acquainted with Emperor Augustus. Not much is known of his later life except he turned down a job to be Augustus' personal secretary. he died on November 27, 8 BCE.

Horace's Writings

Horace wrote for over thirty years and in many different styles. He published several collective works like Book 1 of the Satires. Horace wrote satires which were like conversations. He wrote satires in dactylic hexameter. Horace also wrote odes, and the epodes. His poetry is considered to be in the lyric style.

When Horace wrote Odes the social environment in which he lived played a major role. He references social relationships which were thought taboo. Horace uses word order loosely and does not follow the written rules. Yet his writings are seen by some to be the most beautiful and eloquent. Horace's writings are a true portrait into real Latin speech as well as a reference to the emotions of Romans of the age.

Creepy Caesar Pumpkin Patch

Hello all. The Halloween season is reaching its peak all this week and that means one thing...pumpkins! That's right people I'm referring to the ultimate of ultimate sports.........PUMPKIN CARVING!!!!!!! And in regards to this most noble hobby i have a suggestion to make. Why not take the face of a well known Roman emperor and carve it into a pumpkin. just take a scary one like Caligula and chop up a pumpkin so that it looks just like him. Its a sure fire way to scare some neighbor kids. And a great way to become infamous.

Well kids good luck doing stuff to hinder the neighborhood watch. As for me, I'm off to audit the Lollipop Guild. Until next time...

Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases

It is once again for everyone's favorite weekly event: Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases!!!!!! Halloween is fast approaching and that means that this weeks phrase is a tribute to Star Trek. Here we go...

Me transmitte sursum, Caledoni!
Beam me up, Scotty!

Thats it kids. I have no more energy to continue this week but have fun confusing your friends and family. As for me, I'm off to make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. Until next time...

Horace lines 30-49

The Fabulous Beasts of Antiquity

Ah! It seems ye adventurous fools have returned to my humble crypt. I'm glad to see that you are prepared for a new tale of a beast most foul. Today I have something special for the likes of you frightful folks. A beast which has several incarnations. that creature is... The Basilisk!!!
The Basilisk was an extremely dangerous serpent which dwelt in North Africa. It was so deadly that its touch alone could kill men and plants. This beast can be found in the medieval bestiaries where it takes the form of a serpent-tailed bird. Let's allow our old friend Pliny the Elder explain: "The Basilisci Serpentis (Basilisk Serpent) also has the same power [to kill like the Catoblepas by sight alone]. It is a native of the province of Cyrenaica, not more than 12 inches long, and adorned with a bright white marking on the head like a sort of diadem. It routs all snakes with its hiss, and does not move its body forward in manifold coils like other snakes but advancing with its middle raised high. It kills bushes not only by its touch but also by its breath, scorches up grass and bursts rocks. Its effect on other animals is disastrous: it is believed that once one was killed with a spear by a man on horseback and the infection rising through the spear killed not only the rider but also the horse. Yet to a creature so marvellous as this--indeed kings have often wished to see a specimen when safely dead--the venom of weasels is fatal: so fixed is the decree of nature that nothing shall be without its match. They throw the Basilisci into weasels’ holes, which are easily known by the foulness of the ground, and the weasels kill them by their stench and die themselves at the same time, and nature’s battle is accomplished."
Quite a good starter pet, in my opinion.

I hope you enjoyed your second look into the darker side of the animal world. I invite you all to return next time and delve deeper into the strange, as we approach the most sacred, Halloween.
As for me, I'm off to beat Starscream in a game of Chess. Until next time...

Lines 10 - 20 of Horace Satire 1.9.

- u u/ - uu/ - -/ - -/ - u u/ - x
Dicere/ nescio /quid pue/ro, cum s/udor ad /imos
- -/ - u u/ - -/ - -/ - u u/- x
Mina/ret talos./ ‘o te,/ Bola/ne, cere/bri
- -/ - -/ - -/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
Feli/ cem’ a/ ieba/ m tacitus,/ cum quidlib/ et ille
- -/ - -/ - -/ - u u/ - x
Garrir/ et, vic/ os, ur/ bam laudret./ Ut illi
- -/ - -/ - u u/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
Nil re/ sponde/ bam: ‘misere/ cupis’ in/ quit ‘ab/ ire;
--/ - -/ - uu/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
Iam/ dudum/ video. / Sed nil agis; / usque ten/ ebo.
- -/ - -/ - -/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
Perse/ quar hinc,/ quo nun/ citer est/ tibi.’ ‘nil / opus est te
- -/ - -/ - -/ - -/ - u u/ - x
Circum/ agi: / quondam/ volo / visere non/ tibi notum,
- u u/ - -/ - u u/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
Trans Tiber/ im lon/ ge cubat/ is prope / Caesaris / hortos.’
- u u/ - u u/ - -/ - u u/ - u u/ - x
‘nil habeo,/ quod agam,/ et non/ sum piger: / usque se/ quar te.’
- -/ - u u/ - u u/ --/ - u u/ - x
Demitt/ o ariculas, / ut ini/ quae / mentis as/ ellus,

Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases

Hello again my ghoulish friends. Halloween is fast approaching and because of the joy of the season I've decided to give a special All Hallows Eve gift to all you Dark Wizards and Sith. That gift, of course, is a new Latin Phrase!!!!! Here we go...

Postatem obscuri lateris nescitis!!!

You do not know the power of the dark side!!!

There you go, my mini dark lords in training. Have fun telling off protagonists and recruiting apprentices. As for me, I have a tee time with Caligula. Until next time...

The Fabulous Beasts of Antiquity

Well, it seems that you have once again stumbled into my Halloween Haunt. That is right, kids. Its time for your old Uncle Crypt Keeper to dust off his old bones for another Halloween themed post. This time I've decided to dust off the old monster manual and pick a few of my favorites. This time we're looking at the lovable forest fairy... Wait, that's not right. Sorry, wrong page... Ah, there it is, the man eating, blood thirsty Manticore.
The Manticore was a Persian beast which preferred humans to any other meal. It had the body of a lion, the face of a man, and a spike-tipped arrow-shooting tail. Pretty nasty fella, huh. Pliny writes about this creature saying: "Aethiopia produces . . . many monstrosities : . . . Ctesias writes that in the same country is born the creature that he calls the Mantichora, which has a triple row of teeth meeting like the teeth of a comb, the face and ears of a human being, grey eyes, a blood-red colour, a lion’s body, inflicting stings with its tail in the manner of a scorpion, with a voice like the sound of a pan-pipe blended with a trumpet, of great speed, with a special appetite for human flesh." Quite the party animal, isn't it?

I hope I, your old Uncle Crypt Keeper, didn't scare you too bad, Kids, because there are plenty more beasties for you all to learn about. For any of you monster hunters out there who like to do their own research, you can find all this info and more from http://theoi.com/.
As for me, well, those vampires aren't going to slay themselves. Until next time...

Phoebus Apollo vs. Artemis Essay

Whatever Diana can do, Phoebus Apollo can do better.
Luke Forrester
Ovid’s Metamorphoses contain myths about numerous powerful creatures and deities.
But among them one set of twins stands out. Phoebus Apollo and Diana are twins who control
very important aspects of nature. Apollo is the sun god who carries the sun across the sky. But
he is also the god of music, the arts, and medicine. His sister, Diana, is a goddess of nature, who
is in charge of numerous nymphs. They are both expert archers and essential to the natural
balance. But in the myths of the Metamorphoses the twins are not represented equally. One of
the two stands out in stark contrast when viewed with the other. One of the twins is easily seen
as the more powerful. That twin is Phoebus Apollo. He is a better fighter, archer, god than
Diana. Apollo is more powerful that Diana because he is tasked the more difficult jobs and
shows his skill more than Diana.
One myth that shows the endurance and power of Phoebus Apollo is Phoebus and
Daphne. Throughout the story, Apollo peruses Daphne because of his love for her. Apollo keeps
chasing after her but she fears the god and because of this asks her father to change her form.
She gets transformed into a laurel bush and escapes from the god. But Phoebus Apollo decides
that because he cannot have the nymph he will wear the laurels as a crown. This shows that
Apollo is never willing to give up. He will endure any situation to get what he desires. And
Apollo also starts a Roman tradition by wearing the crown of laurels. Apollo is held in such high
regard that a simple act of his love inspired an iconic Roman image. And although it can be seen
that Phoebus Apollo lost the day, Daphne will always be seen as his nymph and lost love. So, it’s
true that Apollo has loved and lost, but how is he in a contest?
The story of King Midas is a very well known and popular myth. It involves the foolish
and greedy king of Phrygia who gains the ability to turn objects to gold using his touch. But not
many people are aware that King Midas had a whole different adventure which involved him
judging a musical contest between Pan and Apollo. The contest involved Apollo playing his lyre
and singing against Pan who played his pipe. The mountain god Tmolus was the fair and just
judge. He saw Apollo’s superiority to Pan and declared him the winner. The skill of Pan is well
known, he was the god who invented the reed pipe. But his defeat by Phoebus Apollo shows
that Apollo was the master of musical skill. He even defended the ruling by giving King Midas
the ears of a donkey (Midas had unwisely ruled Pan as the winner). Phoebus Apollo has done
great things on his own but how does he compare when he works with his sister? Is Diana really
more powerful than her sun-god brother? The answer lies in the story of Latona and Niobe.
When Phoebus Apollo and Diana’s mother Latona is angered by a mortal woman, it falls
to her children to dole out the punishment. Latona tells them to kill the children of Niobe as
payback for her arrogance. The twins do just that. Apollo kills the seven sons and Diana kills the
seven daughters. Here is where a hint of symbolism is detected. While it is easily understood
why Apollo would kill the boys and Diana the girls, this shows their measure of strength. Who
would have been harder to kill, seven men or seven women? In the context of the story, the
obvious answer is the seven men. The twins both use the same method to dispatch the children
of Niobe. But Phoebus Apollo comes out the better archer. This myth is the definite proof of
which twin is stronger. Apollo is a better archer, he can defeat stronger opponents, and he has
a take charge attitude. Phoebus Apollo is superior to his sister, Diana.
Although Diana is the twin of Phoebus Apollo she seems to always take the back seat
whenever she is mentioned in a myth. The only exception to this rule would be in the story of
Latona and Niobe, but even there she is shown up by her brother. Diana is more of a figurehead
than a real active goddess. Many of the myths in Metamorphoses have nymphs as main

characters. These nymphs are usually nymphs of Diana, and are vowed to her for life. But in
story Phoebus and Daphne, she isn’t even willing to help one of her own devotes. Diana is
pictured as weak and inactive, a goddess of the earth who seems to just exist. A goddess who
allows her nymphs to be pursued by gods and creatures of all likes. She is much weaker than
her brother and could only aspire to be as powerful as Apollo.
Ovid’s take on the twins Phoebus Apollo and Diana shows that ancient myths
represented the beliefs and feelings of the time. In all the myths he is featured in, Apollo is
shown as superior while Diana doesn’t do much. She will always be second to her brother in all
aspects, from archery to musical talent. Although Diana could be viewed as a strong individual,
she is not represented as one in Ovid’s tome. Phoebus Apollo and Diana always had a strong
bond, but they could never have been equal.

SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME LATIN PHRASES

Hello again my fine feathered friends. Its once again time for SSALP!!! That's right, after all these weeks, I finally abbreviated it. This week I'm giving a gift to all you poetry critics. So, here we go...

Nullo metro compositum est.

It doesn't rhyme.

Have fun making people feel bad about their creativity, kids. As for me, I'm off to take a ride on the Magic School Bus. Until next time...

Philemon and Baucis Translation

Philemon and Baucis
Part 1
The power that heaven has is immense and infinite. Whatever the gods command, is done. Do you doubt, student? I will narrate to you about two trees, a linden tree and an oak in Phrygia. The story is true. I, myself have seen the place, not far is a pool, once a land full of men, now full of water and fish. Jupiter came and Mercury carrier of the caduceus came also as his own father. The gods had assumed the forms of men, and were walking in the land of Phrygia. They begged for rest in a thousand homes, but a thousand homes were closed. However one home was prepared and open to them. This belonged to the pious Baucis and the old Philemon; they were the whole household. And the two were servant and master. When the gods entered the prepared house, the old Philemon commanded the gods to sit, Baucis prepared wine and food (meat, raddish, and eggs). They also prepared the table, but the table was not level. The old strangers were kind, and the gods gave them the greater part of the food and wine.
Part 2
But after dinner the two, the old woman and her husband, saw a miracle. The wine and even the food were still in the bowls. Baucis the pious and Philemon were timid and afraid of the gods faces. The two old folks had a goose; Philemon and Baucis caught the goose and were tempted to kill it, as a sacrifice to the gods. The goose however fled before the gods who said, “Do not kill the goose. We are the gods, Jupiter and Mercury. We ought lay waste to the evil village. But we will give to you a reward. Jupiter transformed the evil village into a pool of water and the wicked people into fish, however the home of the two old pious people he transformed into a temple. The two said to the old people, “What do you desire, just old man and pious woman?” The old people responded, “We desire to be priests in this temple of Jupiter, and since we have had many good years between us, we desire to die at the same hour.” And so Philemon and Baucis were the protectors of the temple for as long as they lived. But once the two grew old in the temple, Philemon the husband put out leaves and Baucis saw Philemon but out leaves. “Goodbye, spouse,” said Philemon, said Baucis, then a tree hid his face. He had been transformed into a tree by Jupiter. Even today these trees stand before the temple of Jupiter in Phrygia: go see them yourself. Many in the temple speak and advocate that they always receive good. They note the names of Baucis and Philemon in this land.

Callisto Part 1 and 2 Translation test

Callisto
part 1
Often the poets would invoke the Muses to narrate stories. "Narrate, O Muse, the story of the nymph Callisto and her son, Arcas." "See the stars in the heavens", said the Muse. "Those seven stars, the great bear, and the other seven stars, the minor bear. The great bear is Callisto and the minor bear is Arcas, her son. Because of the wrath of the queen of the gods, Jupitter transformed the nymph and her son into stars in the sky." Callisto was a nymph whose form was beautiful. She lived in Arcadia. When Jupiter was in the forests and fields of Arcadia, a land the god cared for, the saw the beauty and form of the nymph and immediatly he loved her. Callisto was surely formed. A pin retained her garment and a band held back her careless locks. Callisto was in the forest with Diana and the other nymphs. She carried a javelin and a quiver. Once Callisto was alone and asleep on the grassy ground; Jupiter saw her. The nymph was pleasing to the god. "Surely Juno will not see me doing this," he said, "however if she sees, they will delight in punnishment but dignified punishment." Immeatly Jupitter silulated the form of Diana and approached the nymph in secret. Then Jupiter was the victor; Callisto however, the miserable nymph, known in the forest and by friends and avoided the goddess Diana.
Part 2
Juno the queen od the gods was very angry. The time for punishment was near. When the boy Arcas was born to the nymph, Juno said, "The cause was not delay. See my injury, adultress! But Jupiter is away. He can not save you. I change your beautiful form." She said and grabed the nymph's hair and threw her down on the ground. When the miserable Callisto streched out her arms pleading, her arms grew rough with course hair. No words remained in the nymph; only a horase voice. Callisto was now a wild bear, but her human senses remained. A! How often she would wander in fields that were once her own! A! How often she, terrified, would flee from men and wild animals in the forest, herself an animal.

Horologium of Augustus

The Horologium of Augustus was a massive obelisk that Emperor Augustus had taken from Egypt. It sat on the Campus Martius and served as a sundial to the Roman people. A super gigantic sundial.

SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME LATIN PHRASES

It's a brand new week and that means its time for.... Ninja cat bar brawl!!!!

Um, excuse me, I meant to say, It's time for Super Special Awesome Latin Phrases!!!!!

This week I'm giving you guys a great insult for all those instances when little kids are gnawing at your legs. So here we go...

Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem.

In the good old days, children like you were left to perish on windswept crags.

Well good luck scaring some small children with this one, folks. As for me, I'm off to arm wrestle Thor. Until next time...

Callisto translation

Callisto
Part 1
Often the poets invoked the Muses to narrate a story. “Narrate, Muse, the story of the nymph Callisto and her son, Arcas.” “View the stars in the heavens,” said the Muse. “Behold the seven stars, Ursa Major, and the other seven stars, Ursa Minor. Ursa Major is Callisto, and Ursa Minor is Arcus, her son. Because of the wrath of the queen goddess, Jupiter transformed the nymph and her son into stars in the heavens.” Callisto was a nymph whose form was beautiful. She lived in Arcadia. While Jupiter was in the forests and fields of Arcadia, land dear to the god, that he cared for, he saw a nymph in a beautiful form and immediately he was in love. Surely Callisto was in form. She held back her garment with a pin and a band held back her careless locks. Though Callisto was in the forest with Diana and other nymphs. She was carrying a javelin and arrows. Once Callisto was alone and asleep lying at rest on the grassy earth, Jupiter looked at her. The nymph was pleasing to the god. “Surely Juno will not see this,” he said, “however if she sees, they will delight in the price but a worthy price.” Immediately Jupiter simulated the form of Diana and approached the nymph in secret. Jupiter was victorious, Callisto however, the miserable nymph, was well known in the forest and well known by friends and avoided the goddess Diana.
Part 2
Juno the queen goddess was very angry. She awaited a time for a suitable punishment. When the boy Arcas was born to the nymph Juno said, “The cause was not delay. See my injury, adulteress! But Jupiter is away. He cannot save you. I change your beautiful form.” She said and held to the nymph’s hair and threw her down on the earth. With that the miserable Callisto stretched out her arms pleading, arms growing rough with shaggy hair. No words remained in the nymph; only a hoarse voice. Callisto was now a wild bear, but her human senses remained in the bear. A! how often she would wander in her own field! A! How often she, terrified, would flee from men and wild animals in the forest, herself, an animal. Behold Arcas, after fifteen years, almost a man. He was a hunter and was often present in the forest. While he was hunting Arcas saw the bear. The bear was Callisto and she recognized her son. Arcas’ unmoving eyes avoided her and was tempted to kill the bear. But omnipotent Jupiter was kind to his son. He prohibited the matricide. The bear and her son were transported into the sky, with the neighboring stars.