Ovid was a Roman poet born in 43 BCE who wrote during the reign of Augustus. He is considered one of the greatest elegiac poets and also wrote the Metamorphoses, which incorporated both epic and elegiac themes. Ovid was exiled in 8 CE and had a massive influence on Renaissance art and later poets, playwrights, artists and sculptors like Shakespeare and Bernini. He remains an important figure studied for his poetry and influence on Western culture.

1. Introduction to
Ovid
Historical and
Literary
Significance

2.  Publius Ovidius Naso
 March 20 43 BCE- 17/18 CE
 Born in Sulmo, Italy
 Considered the last great elegist; also wrote in hexameter in the
Metamorphosis, a poem that plays with epic expectations by
incorporating elegiac themes.
 Produced poetry during the “peaceful period” of Augustus’ reign
 Commonly thought of “burlesquing” popular themes of his poetic
predecessors, both in epic and elegy
 Exiled to Tomis in 8 CE
 Exerts a massive influence on Renaissance art

3. Ovid’s Historical Context
 Post Civil War
 Silver Age
 Augustan
 Complicated politics

4. Ovid’s Influence
 Rhetoricians and Poets
 Bernini
 Renaissance
 Shakespeare
 Opera
 Ballet
 Modern Instances?

5. Introducing Ovid To Your Class
with Baucis and Philemon
 Themes
 Hospitality
 Pietas
 Harmony
 Unity of the dining room table
 Old Age
 Construction