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Who were Ovid’s literary friends in Rome?
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Ovid
Ovid, copper engraving, c. 17th century.
In Rome, Ovid moved within a sophisticated literary circle and enjoyed the friendship and encouragement of several prominent figures. He was a member of the circle patronized by Marcus Valerius Messalla, which included the poet Albius Tibullus, whom Ovid knew briefly before his death.1
Ovid’s other notable literary friends and acquaintances in Rome included:
- Horace
- Sextus Propertius
- The grammarian Hyginus1
After deciding that a public career did not suit him, Ovid dedicated his life to cultivating poetry and the company of these fellow poets.12