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

The Roman poets were some of the most influential writers in Western literature, and their contributions to pastoral poetry have had a lasting impact on the genre. Some of the most notable Roman poets and their contributions to pastoral poetry include:

1. Virgil

Virgil is perhaps the most famous Roman poet, and his pastoral epic poem, the 'Eclogues', is considered one of the foundational works of Western pastoral poetry. In the 'Eclogues', Virgil explores themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world through the voices of shepherds and other rural characters.

2. Ovid

Ovid is best known for his epic poem, 'Metamorphoses', but he also made significant contributions to pastoral poetry with his 'Heroides' and 'Tristia'. In these works, Ovid uses the pastoral mode to explore themes of love and exile.

3. Horace

Horace is best known for his odes, but he also wrote a number of pastoral poems, including the 'Epodes' and the 'Satires'. In these works, Horace uses the pastoral mode to explore themes of friendship, love, and the pleasures of country life.

The contributions of these Roman poets to Western pastoral poetry have been significant and far-reaching. Their works continue to be read and studied by scholars and poetry enthusiasts around the world.