1. Latin Love Poetry Owes origins to Greek Callimachus (fl. 280-45 BC), who wrote on various topics incl. homosexual love Callimachus inspired Late Republican love poets incl. Catullus (c. 85- c. 54 BC)

2. Gaius Valerius Catullus From Verona. Did not involve self in public life, except: On staff of Gaius Memmius, governor of Bithynia, in 57 BC Wrote some poems critical of various figures incl. Caesar

3. Gaius Valerius Catullus Stormy love affair with “Lesbia” (prob. Clodia), named in honour of Sappho of Lesbos Novi Poetae (New Poets)

4. Sextus Propertius (c. 54-48 BC-before 2 BC)

5. Sextus Propertius c. 54-48 BC Born into equestrian family in Assisi Part of family estates confiscated by Octavian in wake of civil war to settle veterans Propertius pursued education in Rome. Became professional poet. Fell in love with “Cynthia.” Affair lasted for about five years, then split up, and Cynthia died a few years later

6. Sextus Propertius c. 28 BC First book of poems published. As result, Propertius gained patronage of Maecenas c. 26 BC Second book of poems published 23 BC Third book of poems published 16 BC (or later) Fourth book of poems published 2 BC Propertius definitely dead

7. “Cynthia” =Hostia or Roscia

8. Sulpicia Little known about her. Was niece of senator and literary patron Messalla. Messalla was also her legal guardian Wrote six poems, which constitute almost all Latin poetry by Roman women that we have! Poems concern Sulpicia’s love for “Cerinthus,” possible Cornutus, an associate of Messalla