Virgil Biography
(Ancient Roman Poet of the Augustan Period)
Birthday: October 15, 70 (Libra)
Born In: Cisalpine Gaul
Publius Vergilius Maro, better known as Virgil, was a well-known ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period, who was regarded by Roman poets as the greatest among them. He is mainly known for his work ‘The Aeneid’, which is the story of Rome’s legendary founder, Aeneas. From the time of its composition till the present day, this work has been considered the national epic in Rome. Despite the veneration he received in Rome, not much is known about his early life and family. Some scholars are of the belief that Virgil was born into a family of humble means and considered pursuing a career in law before becoming a poet. Romans not only regarded him as their own national poet, but also the spokesman of their ideals and achievements. A much respected figure, he is believed to have reached the ultimate perfection in his art which is reflected in the fact that his poems were used as school textbooks during the 1st century AD. His works have also had a deep influence on Western literature, which is another reason why he is still widely remembered today.