The Loeb Classical Library series Fragmentary Republican Latin
continues with three highly influential pioneers in the creation and
development of Latin poetry.
Livius Andronicus (born ca. 292 BC) was regarded by the Romans as the
founder of Latin literature, introducing tragedy and comedy, adapting
Homer's Odyssey into Saturnian verse, and composing a nationally
important hymn for Juno. A meeting place for writers and actors was
established in the temple of Minerva on the Aventine in recognition of
his poetic achievements.
Naevius (born ca. 280-260), though most famous for his comedies, also
wrote tragedy and epic. He innovated by incorporating Roman material
into his Greek models and writing on Roman subjects independently. The
inventor of the fabula praetexta, drama on a Roman theme, he also
introduced new topics to Roman tragedy, especially those relating to
Troy, and his Punic War, the first epic on a Roman historical subject,
was a longtime school text and a favorite of Augustus.
Caecilius (born probably in the 220s), a friend of the older Ennius,
excelled at comedy, of which he was Rome's leading exponent during his
career, and was so considered by posterity. Caecilius continued the
Naevian practice of inserting Roman allusions into his works and was
admired by later critics particularly for his substantive and
well-constructed plots, and for his ability to arouse emotion.
The texts are based on the most recent and reliable editions of the
source authors and have been revised, freshly translated, and amply
annotated in light of current scholarship.
