Atticus (poet)

Atticus (c. 110-46 BCE) was a Roman knight, man of letters, and close friend and correspondent of Marcus Tullius Cicero. While primarily known for his role as a confidant and literary advisor to Cicero, he was also a writer and poet in his own right, though very little of his original work survives.

Atticus, whose full name was Titus Pomponius Atticus, adopted the cognomen "Atticus" due to his long residence in Athens and his affinity for Greek culture and language. He was born into a wealthy Roman family and inherited a considerable fortune, which he managed prudently. This allowed him to live a life of leisure dedicated to study and friendship.

Atticus's poetry is sparsely documented. References in Cicero's letters indicate that Atticus composed poetry, but only fragments and mentions remain. The style and content of his poetry are largely unknown, but it is generally assumed to have been influenced by Greek models, reflecting his Hellenophile tendencies. His expertise seems to have been more in literary criticism and editorial work than in original composition. He advised Cicero on matters of style and content in Cicero's own writings, and he played a key role in publishing and distributing Cicero's works.

Atticus is more significantly remembered as a cultural figure, a patron of the arts, and the center of a vibrant intellectual circle. His letters, particularly those exchanged with Cicero, offer invaluable insights into the political and social life of the late Roman Republic. Although his own poetic contributions may be limited, his influence on Roman literature through his support and encouragement of other writers, especially Cicero, should not be underestimated.