Gaius Lucilius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gaius Lucilius
|
|
---|---|
Died | 103 BC |
Nationality | Roman |
Occupation | Satirist |
Military service | |
Rank | Cavalryman |
Battles/wars | Numantine War (134 BC) |
Gaius Lucilius was an important Roman writer. He is known as the very first Roman satirist. A satirist is someone who uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people or ideas.
Lucilius was born in Campania, a region in ancient Rome. He was part of the equestrian class, which was a group of wealthy Roman citizens below the senators. Most of his writings are now lost, and only small parts remain.
Early Life and Military Service
Historians aren't completely sure about Lucilius's exact birth year. Some say 148 BC, but others think it was around 180 BC. The earlier date fits better with what we know about his life.
Lucilius was good friends with important Roman leaders. These included Scipio Aemilianus and Gaius Laelius. He even served in the army under Scipio. This was during the Numantine War in 134 BC. He fought in the siege of Numantia, an important battle.
It's unlikely he would have been in the army or close friends with Scipio if he was only 14 years old. This is why many believe he was born earlier, around 180 BC.
Life as a Satirist
Lucilius spent most of his life in Rome. He died in Naples around 103 BC. Even though he didn't hold any high government jobs, he was respected. After he died, he received a public funeral, which was a great honor.
Lucilius is famous for inventing a new kind of poetry. Before him, Roman satura (a type of performance) was a mix of different things. Lucilius changed it into something new. He made it about criticizing people, their actions, and society. This is what we now call "satire."
His writing style was very original. He didn't copy Greek poets. Instead, he wrote about everyday Roman life. He talked about politics, wars, and how people made and spent money. He also wrote about scandals and bad behavior in Rome.
Lucilius was very honest and brave in his writing. He wasn't afraid to point out problems. He criticized unfairness in the government and the greedy actions of some people. He wanted to show the truth about Roman society.
He wrote about 30 books of satires. Each book was likely a collection of different poems. Many of his writings were in a style called hexameter. This is a type of poetic meter.
Lucilius often used dialogue in his satires. Sometimes he wrote them like letters or speeches. He would also share his own travels, funny stories, or personal thoughts. Later Roman poets, like Horace, were greatly influenced by Lucilius. They even copied some of his ideas and writing styles.
Editions of the Fragments
Since only parts of Lucilius's work remain, scholars have collected these pieces. Here are some important collections:
- Dousa, F: Leiden (1597), 2nd edition Amsterdam (1661)
- Marx, F: C. Lucili Carminum Reliquiae (Teubner, Leipzig)
- vol. I Prolegomena and Text (1904)
- vol. II Commentary (1905)
- Loeb Classical Library (L329, 1938), Remains of Old Latin, vol.III: Lucilius, The Twelve Tables, edited with Latin text and English translation by E. H. Warmington. ISBN: 0-674-99363-2
See also
In Spanish: Lucilio para niños