The History of Roman Literature From the Earliest Period to the Death of Marcus Aurelius

This guide walks listeners through the evolution of Roman letters from their humble Italic roots to the sophisticated works of the imperial age. Designed with students and curious readers in mind, it balances careful scholarship with a clear literary narrative, offering useful chronologies, suggested editions, and study questions. The author acknowledges the heavy influence of earlier German and French studies while presenting the material in an approachable style that avoids overwhelming jargon.

The volume traces three major phases— the early, “ante‑classical” period, the flourishing Golden Age, and the later decline—highlighting seminal figures such as Livius Andronicus, Naevius, Plautus, Ennius, and the later poets up to Marcus Aurelius. By linking linguistic shifts, political context, and theatrical conventions, it reveals how Roman writers borrowed, adapted, and eventually forged a distinct voice. Listeners will come away with a solid framework for understanding how Rome’s literary legacy was built, piece by piece, over centuries.