Vita Catulli Flashcards
What were Catullus’ approximate dates?
84-82 BCE - 54-52 BCE
What was Catullus’ full name?
Gaius Valerius Catullus
Define “neoteric”
Neoteric means rather new, or even revolutionary.
Catullus’ poetry was inspired by the poetry of which age?
The Hellenistic Greek poets of the 3rd Century BCE
Who was the most renowned poet of the Hellenistic Era?
Callimachus
What were Callimachus’ thoughts on poetry?
That large poetry was bad. Poetry should be small things. (μέγα βιβλίον μέγα κακόν- mega biblion, mega kakon) – a big book is a big evil.
Who was the female Greek poet by whom Catullus was inspired, and where did she live?
Sappho, and on the island of Lesbos.
What is the name of Catullus’ girlfriend in his poetry?
Lesbia.
Who is Lesbia believed to have actually been?
Clodia.
Who wrote a speech called Pro Caelio, in which Clodia appears?
Cicero.
