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Virgil - Biography

Marcus Publius Maron, known simply as, was an ancient Roman poet whose contribution to world literature remains invaluable. His epic work "Aeneid" is considered one of the most important and influential epics in the history of literature. He was also the author of numerous other poetic works that made their mark on Roman and world culture.

Virgil was born on October 15, 70 BC in the village of Andes, located in northern Italy. His parents were well-to-do farmers, and Virgil grew up in the countryside, which had a profound impact on his future work. He was educated in Cremona and later in Milan and Rome, where he studied rhetoric, philosophy and poetry.

Virgil began his poetic career producing pastoral poems such as "Eclogues," which described life and nature under idyllic conditions. His work quickly became popular, and Virgil gained a reputation as the foremost poet of his time.

However, the real pearl of his work was the Aeneid. This epic work, consisting of twelve books, tells about the adventures of Aeneas, the legendary hero, the ancestor of the Romans, in the times after the fall of Troy. The Aeneid became a national epic of the Roman Empire and had a profound influence on many late writers and poets.

Virgil was known for his modesty and turned to friendship with many famous personalities of his time, including high-profile Roman politicians and philosophers. His friendship with the emperor Augustus Cesar was particularly close, and he dedicated the "Aeneid" to Augustus, praising his reign and connection with the ancient heroes.

Virgil passed away on September 21, 19 BC, not having time to complete the Aeneid. At his request, he asked his friend and poet Var to destroy the unfinished epic, but Augustus saved the work and instructed Var to bring it to completion. This decision was successful, and the Aeneid was published after Virgil's death.