The Loeb Classical Library: Fragmentary Republican Latin, Volume II : Ennius, Dramatic Fragments. Minor Works

Quintus Ennius (239–169 BC), widely regarded as the father of Roman literature, was instrumental in creating a new Roman literary identity and inspired major developments in Roman religion, social organization, and popular culture. Born in the Calabrian town of Rudiae in Magna Graecia, Ennius claimed descent from Messapus, eponymous hero of Messapia, and was uncle to the tragic dramatist Pacuvius. Brought in 204 from Sardinia to Rome in the entourage of Cato, Ennius took up independent residence on the Aventine and, fluent in his native Oscan as well as Greek and Latin, became one of the first teachers to introduce Greek learning to Romans through public readings of Greek and Latin texts. Transcending partisan interests, Ennius cultivated familiar relationships with several of Rome’s most distinguished families, including that of Marcus Fulvius Nobilior, through whose patronage he eventually attained Roman citizenship.