Ovid

Ovid (43 BCE–17/18 CE), born Publius Ovidius Naso, was one of the greatest poets of ancient Rome and a central figure in Latin literature. Known for his wit, imaginative storytelling, and mastery of poetic forms, Ovid's works have had a profound influence on Western literature and art. He was born in Sulmo (modern-day Sulmona, Italy) to a wealthy equestrian family and received an elite education in Rome, studying rhetoric and law before dedicating himself to poetry.

Ovid's early works, including Amores (Loves) and Heroides (Heroines), showcased his talent for exploring themes of love, passion, and human emotion with humor and sophistication. His Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love) and Remedia Amoris (The Cure for Love) offered playful and controversial guidance on romantic relationships, cementing his reputation as a master of the elegiac couplet.

Ovid's magnum opus, Metamorphoses, is an epic poem comprising 15 books that weave together myths of transformation from Greek and Roman traditions. The work’s rich tapestry of mythology, combined with its innovative structure and lyrical beauty, has made it a cornerstone of classical literature. Metamorphoses has inspired countless writers, artists, and composers, from Dante and Shakespeare to modern creators.

Despite his success, Ovid's life took a dramatic turn in 8 CE when Emperor Augustus banished him to Tomis (modern-day Constanța, Romania) on the Black Sea. The reasons remain unclear, but Ovid referred to his exile as being caused by a "carmen et error" (a poem and a mistake). In exile, he wrote Tristia (Sorrows) and Epistulae ex Ponto (Letters from the Black Sea), expressing his longing for Rome and his struggles in a foreign land.

Ovid died in exile, but his literary legacy endures, influencing generations with his timeless exploration of love, transformation, and the human condition.