Terentianus facts for kids
Terentianus, also known as Maurus, was a smart Latin writer from Mauretania (an ancient region in North Africa). He was an expert in grammar and prosody, which is the study of rhythm and sounds in poetry. He likely lived around the end of the 2nd century AD (the late 100s AD).
He mentioned other writers like Septimius Serenus and Alphius Avitus. These writers were part of a group called "new poets" who lived during the time of Emperor Hadrian (around 117-138 AD) or a bit later. This suggests Terentianus lived around the same time as them.
Who Was Terentianus Maurus?
Terentianus Maurus was a Roman scholar who focused on language. He was known for his deep understanding of how words work and how they are put together in poems. His work helped future writers and scholars understand Latin poetry better.
His Important Writings
Terentianus wrote a book that wasn't finished. It was divided into four parts and written using different poetic rhythms. This book was about letters, syllables, and how to create different rhythms and sounds in poetry. Later writers often used his ideas in their own studies.
The most important part of his book was about "metres." Metres are the patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry, like the beat in a song. He based his work on the ideas of Caesius Bassus, who was a friend of another famous Roman poet named Persius.
When Did He Live?
While most experts believe Terentianus lived in the late 2nd century AD, there were some different ideas in the past. Some thought he might have lived earlier, while others thought he lived later. However, based on his writings and who he mentioned, the late 2nd century AD is the most accepted time for him.
See also
In Spanish: Terenciano Mauro para niños
- Habent sua fata libelli
- Trochaic septenarius
