Who were the Roman poets, and what were their contributions to Western literature?

The Roman poets were some of the most influential writers in Western literature. Their works have inspired countless writers and artists throughout history and continue to be studied and appreciated to this day.

One of the most famous Roman poets was Virgil, who wrote the epic poem The Aeneid. This work tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who travels to Italy and becomes the ancestor of the Romans. The Aeneid was immensely popular in ancient Rome and has been considered one of the greatest works of Western literature ever since.

Another famous Roman poet was Ovid, who wrote The Metamorphoses, a collection of myths and legends from ancient Greece and Rome. This work has been a major influence on art and literature for centuries and has inspired countless adaptations and interpretations.

Other notable Roman poets include Horace, Catullus, and Lucretius. Horace wrote poetry on a wide range of subjects, including love, philosophy, and politics. Catullus was known for his lyric poetry, which was often intensely personal and emotional. Lucretius wrote a philosophical epic called On the Nature of Things, which explores the nature of the universe and the role of humanity in it.