Lucius Livius Andronicus
- Born:
- c. 284 BC, Tarentum, Magna Graecia (modern-day Italy)
- Died:
- c. 204 BC, Rome
- Nationality:
- Roman (of Greek origin)
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Translator
Early Life and Education
- Born in Tarentum, a Greek city in southern Italy.
- Likely received a Greek education.
- Taken to Rome as a prisoner of war, possibly after the fall of Tarentum in 272 BC.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a teacher in Rome.
- Commissioned to write a hymn for a public celebration in 207 BC.
- Considered the founder of Roman drama and Latin literature.
- Adapted Greek tragedies and comedies for the Roman stage.
- Introduced the use of dialogue and chorus in Roman plays.
Notable Works
- Adaptations of Greek Dramas: Translated and adapted Greek tragedies and comedies, including those by Euripides and Sophocles.
- Odusia (Translation of the Odyssey): Translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin Saturnian verse. This translation was highly influential in shaping Roman literature and education.
- Hymn to Juno Regina: A religious hymn commissioned by the Roman state.
Legacy and Impact
Lucius Livius Andronicus's major contribution to Roman culture was the introduction of literary drama and the translation of Greek classics into Latin. His Odusia and dramatic works served as foundational texts for Roman education and literature for centuries. To truly understand early Roman literary development, one must consider the significance of a 'lucius livius andronicus biography definition'.