Cornelius Gallus (70 B.C - 26 B.C)An author from humble origins, Cornelius Gallus rose to prominence both politically and in the literary circles. While he was learning in Rome, he came under the tutelage of the school of Parthenius. In this school, he met Vergil among others. His intelligence was recognized, however, he was regarded just below that of Vergil's skills in poetry. During the Civil War, Gallus assisted Augustus' cause and thus, he became the first prefect of Egypt as a reward. Later on, he fell out of favor with Augustus for his haughtiness and had all his properties confiscated. He committed suicide, feeling disgraced. Ovid regarded him as the first elegiac poet in Rome.
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Basic Info |
Full Name:
Gaius Cornelius Gallus Born: 70 B.C | Forum Iulii Died: 26 B.C (aged 44-45) | Unknown |
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Gallus wrote four books of elegies called the Amores. He sang his passion for Lycoris, the poetic pseudonym of the mime actress Volumnia, whose stage name was Cytheris. In 1979 a papyrus discovered in Egypt had ten verses of Gallus.
- From Ketan |