Why were public readings important to Roman poets during the Augustan Age?

During the Augustan Age of Latin literature, public readings and recitations in literary circles were essential to the creative process. These events allowed poets to share their work piecemeal, providing an opportunity for them to receive constructive feedback and "friendly suggestions" that could be used to improve their compositions before final publication.1

Because these poems were intended for both private circles and public performance, poets placed a high premium on euphony, smoothness, and artistic structure. This emphasis on oral delivery helped refine the technical mastery of rhetorical figures, alliteration, and onomatopoeia, which characterized the polished style of the era. By presenting their work in this manner, writers ensured their poetry achieved the high level of formal perfection expected during this period.1