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Ovid

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A classic painting by Eugène Delacroix showing the poet Ovid among the Scythians in a scenic, natural landscape.

Who Was Ovid?

Publius Ovidius Naso, known as Ovid, was a famous Roman poet who lived when Augustus ruled. He was a friend of two other great writers, Virgil and Horace. Many people think he was one of the three greatest writers of Latin literature. Ovid wrote many lovely poems that people enjoyed.

Ovid’s Famous Work

Ovid is most famous for his work called the Metamorphoses. This is a long story about myths and legends in fifteen books. He also wrote other poems, like Ars Amatoria and Fasti, in a special style called elegiac couplets.

Ovid’s Life

Ovid was born in the town of Sulmona, in Italy, on March 20, 43 BC. His family was well-known and important. He learned speaking skills in Rome from teachers like Arellius Fuscus and Porcius Latro. His father wanted him to study law, but Ovid decided to focus on writing poetry.

Ovid got married three times and had a daughter and grandchildren. He visited places like Athens, Asia Minor, and Sicily. Ovid became famous for his poetry, writing many love poems and stories about myths.

Ovid’s Time Away

In AD 8, Ovid was sent to live in Tomis, near the Black Sea, by the emperor Augustus. While there, he wrote sad poems asking to return home. Ovid spent the rest of his life in Tomis and died there in AD 17 or 18.

Ovid’s Legacy

After Ovid died, his poems were copied and read for many years. They influenced art and stories in Europe. Today, the Metamorphoses is still a great way to learn about ancient myths.

His stories have inspired many writers and artists over the years. Famous people like Sandro Botticelli and William Shakespeare used his poems in their work. Even today, Ovid’s tales continue to inspire books, music, and plays.

Images

Woodcut illustration of the Roman poet Ovid from a 15th-century book.
The Capitoline Wolf, an ancient Roman sculpture showing a she-wolf caring for the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who founded the city of Rome.
A historical painting by Joseph Mallord William Turner showing the poet Ovid in ancient Rome.
Statue of the Roman poet Ovid in Constanţa, Romania, created in 1887 by Italian sculptor Ettore Ferrari.
An old book illustration from a 1632 edition of Ovid's Metamorphoses, featuring classical art and literary themes.
A historical painting of the poet Ovid by Luca Signorelli, located in the San Brizio Chapel of Orvieto's Cathedral in Italy.
A 17th-century painting showing a dramatic scene from ancient literature, featuring historical figures and artistic representation of a tomb setting.
Statue of the famous Latin poet Ovid, located in Sulmona.
Medieval illuminated woodcut from a 1484 edition of Ovid's Metamorphoses, showing allegorical scenes in traditional religious-artistic style.
Portrait of the ancient Roman poet Ovid, created by artist Anton von Werner.
Icons of two books, perfect for learning about reading and literature.
A portrait of the ancient Roman poet Ovid, celebrated for his literary contributions and adorned with laurel wreaths.

Related articles

Augustus
Virgil
Latin literature
Rome
Black Sea
William Shakespeare

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