philosopher, rhetorician, and Latin writer. He supported Pompey in the civil war. He is pardoned
by Caesar.
Cassius, born around 87-86 BC and died early October 42 BC at the first battle of Philippi, is a politician and a general of the late Roman Republic. A supporter of Pompey, he is among the assassins of Julius Caesar.
Alba Longa is an ancient city in Latium in central Italy, 19 km south-east of Rome, in the Alban Hills. Founder and head of the Latin League, it is destroyed by Rome around the middle of the 7th century BC, and its inhabitants are forced to settle in Rome. Julius Caesar claims this city by lineage right.
The Ides of March corresponds to March 15 in the Roman calendar. It is a festive day dedicated to the god Mars. It is the day Julius Caesar was assassinated.
Alexander the Great, or Alexander III, born on July 21, 356 BC in Pella and died on June 11, 323 BC in Babylon, is a king of Macedonia and one of the most famous figures from antiquity.
Sixteenth Speech - Livia to Maecenas
Livia, wife of Octavian
Context
This speech is dedicated to the greatness of literature, but even though that's its primary purpose, it does not distance me from the overall objective of my book. Poetry being one of the most enjoyable activities, one of the most cherished entertainments, to admit this pleasure by showing its worth is legitimate. This is what I sought to achieve in this speech, more out of reason than personal interest. At the very least, I am well aware that if I am defending this cause, it's because I believe it to be good, and therefore I am not breaking the orators' oath to defend no cause they deem unwholesome. Evaluate and listen to what Livia has to say on this subject, to Maecenas, protector of the Muses. But don't be surprised to hear her speaking profoundly about this matter. Octavian loved poetry too much not to have inspired this same passion in she who possessed his heart. And she was too astute not to be attentive. Thus, if I made the choice of these characters, it’s because I had reasons to do so, and one could not fault me for that.
Livia to Maecenas
I know, Maecenas, that Octavian owes his empire to your counsel. The Romans owe you the happiness they enjoy under a reign far from tyranny. And for me, I owe you as well for the
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