Literature in Latin
https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2015/06/famous-books-written-in-latin/
Latin may not be spoken widely anymore, but it’s far from a dead language — especially in the worlds of literature, philosophy, and poetry. Some of the greatest efforts in these fields were originally penned in Latin, and many believe that to truly appreciate the greatness of these classics, they must be read in their original form.
Today, in honor of the Brainscape flashcard sets for complete Latin, Latin vocabulary, and Latin word elements, we’re sharing 10 famous works originally written in Latin. These works may have been written hundreds and even thousands of years ago, but today scholars, poets, and everyday people still read them — both in Latin and in countless other translations — for knowledge and enjoyment. Take the time to read some of these — we promise it’s worth it!
After the break, we share 10 famous works that were originally written in Latin:
10 Famous Latin Works
1. Selected Works by Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero is among the most famous writers and orators of Ancient Rome. He lived from 106 BC to 46 BC, and yet his influence has echoed through the millennia. A politician and consul from a wealthy family, Cicero’s surviving works include 58 speeches, more than 900 letters, and more than a dozen books on topics in politics, philosophy, and morality. Selected Works gathers some of the best of this material into an easily digestible form that is today studied by countless students, scholars, and avid learners around the world.
2. The Aeneid by Virgil
Drawing heavily on the Greek poet Homer, Roman poet Virgil (writing from 29 BC to 19 BC) tells the mythological story of the founding of Rome. Split into 12 books that stretch hundreds of pages, the poem weaves together Greek and Roman mythology into a story that supported the strength and character of Rome at a time when the nation was foundering in the transition from Republic to Empire. The Aeneid is generally regarded as one of the most important literary works of all time.
3. Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Metamorphoses is an epic poem that stands next to The Aeneid as one of the most important and influential works of literature in human history. Written by Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to CE 17 or 18, Metamorphoses is an epic poem that, in the style of the time, brings together history and mythology into a compelling tale. Composed of 15 books and more than 250 individual parts, Metamorphoses covers topics ranging from the origin of the earth to the godliness of Julius Caesar. However, the work defies classification in many ways, moving between themes and styles in a manner that other classical epic poems do not. Ovid has a firm place as one of the most respected poets of all time, and Metamorphoses will also forever be remembered for its influence on Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, and many others.
4. Histories by Tacitus
If your interest lies more with history than with mythology, you would do well to study the works of Tacitus. A Roman senator and historian, he wrote for roughly 70 years starting in CE 56, chronicling the history and current events affecting the Roman Empire. While only portions of Histories survive, the book provides a fascinating insight into the politics of ancient Rome, the culture of the Empire, and the clashes with the barbarian tribes of Germania, Brittania, and Gaul.
5. The Conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar
More history can be found in these pages which chronicle the Roman conquest of Gaul (encompassing parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and Switzerland). Originally published somewhere between 58 BC and 49 BC by the emperor Julius Caesar, the straightforward writing style of The Conquest will please those without the patience for epic poetry.
6. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
From history we move to philosophy. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius were not meant for publication. Originally written as a series of personal journal entries and self reflections, the Meditations have nonetheless become a staple of stoic philosophy, especially on the subjects of duty, service, and finding balance in a chaotic world. Split into 12 books originally written around 170 to 180 CE, Meditations is widely admired as a formative work on these subjects.
7. Natural History by Pliny
Natural History, or Naturalis Historia, is a fascinating glimpse into the knowledge of the ancient world. Published around 78 CE in the Roman Empire, this work purports to cover all the knowledge known in the Roman Empire: astronomy, geography, botany, physiology, agriculture, mining, sculpture, painting, and more. While the information contained therein is out of date and inaccurate by modern standards, the book did provide a template for all modern encyclopedias. The work was cut short due to author Pliny the Elder’s unfortunate demise in the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
8. In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
This more modern Latin work was written in the year 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus, a humanist and Catholic priest from the Netherlands. A highly religious figure, Erasmus wrote In Praise of Folly as a satirical work in which vices are celebrated. However, the work is based on profound respect for basic Christian morals, which are stated clearly at the end of the work. In Praise of Folly, along with Erasmus’ other works, exerted a profound influence over the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries.
9. Odes by Horace
Horace was another leading poet of the Roman world, known for his lyrical poetry, often amusing tone, and graceful composition. Writing between 65 BC and 8 BC, Horace penned 9 major works that survive to this day. Odes is a collection of short poems on the subjects of country, morality, gods, love, friendship, and everyday life. Together with Cicero and Virgil, Horace is considered one of the three greatest Roman poets.
10. Confessions by Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a Christian theologian who lived from 354 to 430 in North Africa (what is now Algeria). His influence on contemporary Christianity could not be overstated, with central doctrines such as original sin emerging from his work. Confessions is an autobiographical tome detailing the sins of Augustine’s youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is considered the first western autobiography, and has now influenced religion and philosophy for more than 1500 years.
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Which of these famous works originally written in Latin do you like best? Let us know in the comments!
Latin may not be spoken widely anymore, but it’s far from a dead language — especially in the worlds of literature, philosophy, and poetry. Some of the greatest efforts in these fields were originally penned in Latin, and many believe that to truly appreciate the greatness of these classics, they must be read in their original form.
Today, in honor of the Brainscape flashcard sets for complete Latin, Latin vocabulary, and Latin word elements, we’re sharing 10 famous works originally written in Latin. These works may have been written hundreds and even thousands of years ago, but today scholars, poets, and everyday people still read them — both in Latin and in countless other translations — for knowledge and enjoyment. Take the time to read some of these — we promise it’s worth it!
After the break, we share 10 famous works that were originally written in Latin:
10 Famous Latin Works
1. Selected Works by Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero is among the most famous writers and orators of Ancient Rome. He lived from 106 BC to 46 BC, and yet his influence has echoed through the millennia. A politician and consul from a wealthy family, Cicero’s surviving works include 58 speeches, more than 900 letters, and more than a dozen books on topics in politics, philosophy, and morality. Selected Works gathers some of the best of this material into an easily digestible form that is today studied by countless students, scholars, and avid learners around the world.
2. The Aeneid by Virgil
Drawing heavily on the Greek poet Homer, Roman poet Virgil (writing from 29 BC to 19 BC) tells the mythological story of the founding of Rome. Split into 12 books that stretch hundreds of pages, the poem weaves together Greek and Roman mythology into a story that supported the strength and character of Rome at a time when the nation was foundering in the transition from Republic to Empire. The Aeneid is generally regarded as one of the most important literary works of all time.
3. Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Metamorphoses is an epic poem that stands next to The Aeneid as one of the most important and influential works of literature in human history. Written by Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to CE 17 or 18, Metamorphoses is an epic poem that, in the style of the time, brings together history and mythology into a compelling tale. Composed of 15 books and more than 250 individual parts, Metamorphoses covers topics ranging from the origin of the earth to the godliness of Julius Caesar. However, the work defies classification in many ways, moving between themes and styles in a manner that other classical epic poems do not. Ovid has a firm place as one of the most respected poets of all time, and Metamorphoses will also forever be remembered for its influence on Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, and many others.
4. Histories by Tacitus
If your interest lies more with history than with mythology, you would do well to study the works of Tacitus. A Roman senator and historian, he wrote for roughly 70 years starting in CE 56, chronicling the history and current events affecting the Roman Empire. While only portions of Histories survive, the book provides a fascinating insight into the politics of ancient Rome, the culture of the Empire, and the clashes with the barbarian tribes of Germania, Brittania, and Gaul.
5. The Conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar
More history can be found in these pages which chronicle the Roman conquest of Gaul (encompassing parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and Switzerland). Originally published somewhere between 58 BC and 49 BC by the emperor Julius Caesar, the straightforward writing style of The Conquest will please those without the patience for epic poetry.
6. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
From history we move to philosophy. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius were not meant for publication. Originally written as a series of personal journal entries and self reflections, the Meditations have nonetheless become a staple of stoic philosophy, especially on the subjects of duty, service, and finding balance in a chaotic world. Split into 12 books originally written around 170 to 180 CE, Meditations is widely admired as a formative work on these subjects.
7. Natural History by Pliny
Natural History, or Naturalis Historia, is a fascinating glimpse into the knowledge of the ancient world. Published around 78 CE in the Roman Empire, this work purports to cover all the knowledge known in the Roman Empire: astronomy, geography, botany, physiology, agriculture, mining, sculpture, painting, and more. While the information contained therein is out of date and inaccurate by modern standards, the book did provide a template for all modern encyclopedias. The work was cut short due to author Pliny the Elder’s unfortunate demise in the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
8. In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
This more modern Latin work was written in the year 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus, a humanist and Catholic priest from the Netherlands. A highly religious figure, Erasmus wrote In Praise of Folly as a satirical work in which vices are celebrated. However, the work is based on profound respect for basic Christian morals, which are stated clearly at the end of the work. In Praise of Folly, along with Erasmus’ other works, exerted a profound influence over the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries.
9. Odes by Horace
Horace was another leading poet of the Roman world, known for his lyrical poetry, often amusing tone, and graceful composition. Writing between 65 BC and 8 BC, Horace penned 9 major works that survive to this day. Odes is a collection of short poems on the subjects of country, morality, gods, love, friendship, and everyday life. Together with Cicero and Virgil, Horace is considered one of the three greatest Roman poets.
10. Confessions by Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a Christian theologian who lived from 354 to 430 in North Africa (what is now Algeria). His influence on contemporary Christianity could not be overstated, with central doctrines such as original sin emerging from his work. Confessions is an autobiographical tome detailing the sins of Augustine’s youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is considered the first western autobiography, and has now influenced religion and philosophy for more than 1500 years.
*****
Which of these famous works originally written in Latin do you like best? Let us know in the comments!
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