De casibus virorum illustrium

De casibus virorum illustrium (On the Fates of Famous Men) is a collection of biographies written by Giovanni Boccaccio between 1355 and 1374. The work focuses on the inevitable misfortunes that befall those who are too fortunate, exploring themes of Fortuna and the unpredictable nature of fate. Boccaccio, a key figure in the early Renaissance, used this work, written in Latin, to examine the downfall of prominent historical and mythological figures, contrasting their former glory with their eventual tragic fates. This collection is part of his broader scholarly pursuits alongside his more famous vernacular works like the Decameron.1