Secular Hymn
Quick Summary
The term "secular hymns" refers to hymns composed for or sung at the secular games of ancient Rome. This phrase is a translation of the Latin carmina saecularia.1
The Roman poet Horace, who lived from 65 BC to 8 BC, wrote a famous work titled the Secular Hymn (Carmen saeculare). He composed this hymn for the Secular Games, which were revived by Emperor Augustus to solemnize his moral reforms. Horace's odes, in general, are known for their intimate and reflective nature, often addressing themes of friendship, love, and poetry. While Horace's work is associated with secular hymns, the term itself specifically denotes compositions for ancient Roman secular games.231
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
HoraceLife…17 bc he composed the Secular Hymn (Carmen saeculare) for ancient ceremonies called the Secular Games, which Augustus had revived to provide a solemn, religious sanction for the regime and, in particular, for his moral reforms of the previous year. The hymn was written in a lyric metre, Horace having…
Read More…17 bc he composed the Secular Hymn (Carmen saeculare) for ancient ceremonies called the Secular Games, which Augustus had revived to provide a solemn, religious sanction for the regime and, in particular, for his moral reforms of the previous year. The hymn was written in a lyric metre, Horace having…
Read More- HoraceInfluences, personality, and impact of Horace
And so the Secular Hymn contains a specific allusion (poetically not altogether successful) to these reforms.
Read MoreAnd so the Secular Hymn contains a specific allusion (poetically not altogether successful) to these reforms.
Read More