Carmen Saeculare Flashcards
Why is the opening line significant?
it adresses Apollo directly which sets in motion the purpose of the poem - to pray to the gods and ask for blessings upon the Roman people.
Analyse the phrase “kindly Sun,”
alludes to a new dawn/age in which Rome will prosper.
How long did a Saeculum last? What marker the occasion?
100-110 years.
games were held.
Why is “Ceres” mentioned?
Demeter - goddess of harvest, childbirth and fertility.
alludes to prosperity.
How does the description of Apolo as “Gentle and peaceful” stress the similarities between him and Augustus?
creates a distinction between warlike and peaceful Apollo, much like Augustus in the sense of being an Imperator but civic at the same time.
Analyse the line “Now Faith and Peace, Honour, and ancient Modesty, / Dare to return once more”
all values which stress the arrival of a new age.
they had been absent but are now present throughout Rome.
How is Horace shown to be Pro-Augustan through this poem?
he stresses how Augustus has brought peace and prosperity to Rome through the announcement of the new age.
the language used alludes to the Leges Iulaie which shows Augustus’ social and moral reform.
Summarise the poem.
asks the gods to bless Rome and praises Rome’s achievements.
gods are asked to protect mothers and the sanctity of marriage.
Rome is militarily strong and has strong and moral citizense.
this is an age of peace, fertility and plenty.
