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Who was Siro and how did he influence Virgil?

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Ancient Roman mosaic showing the poet Virgil seated and writing, flanked by the muses Clio and Melpomene, displayed in a decorative border. — Virgil Virgil (centre) holding a scroll with a quotation from the *Aeneid* and flanked by the muses Clio and Melpomene, mosaic, early 3rd century ce; in the Bardo National Museum, Tunis, Tunisia.

Siro was an Epicurean philosopher who served as one of the teachers of the Roman poet Virgil.12

His influence on Virgil was significant, particularly during the poet's early career. The principles of Epicurean philosophy are substantially reflected in Virgil’s early poetry. However, as Virgil’s work progressed, these influences gradually gave way to philosophical attitudes more closely aligned with Stoicism.2