Silius

Silius, specifically Tiberius Catius Asconius Silius Italicus, was a Roman senator, orator, and epic poet of the 1st century CE. He lived from approximately 26 CE to 101 CE.

Silius Italicus is best known for his epic poem, Punica, which recounts the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, primarily focusing on the leadership of Hannibal. The Punica is composed of seventeen books and runs to over 12,000 lines, making it one of the longest surviving Latin poems.

Details of Silius Italicus's life are primarily derived from the writings of Pliny the Younger, who describes him as a man of literary talent and a devoted admirer of the poet Virgil. Pliny mentions that Silius Italicus owned Virgil's tomb and treated it with great reverence.

Silius Italicus held several political offices during his career, including serving as consul in 68 CE during the turbulent period following the death of Nero. He subsequently retired to Campania, where he devoted himself to literature and collecting art.

The Punica, while influential in later periods, has faced varying critical reception. While praised for its comprehensive historical narrative and its ambition, it has also been criticized for its derivative style, drawing heavily on Virgil's Aeneid and other classical sources. Its length and sometimes repetitive nature have also been noted by critics. Despite these criticisms, the Punica remains a valuable source of information about Roman perceptions of the Punic Wars and Roman identity. It offers insights into the historical events, political climate, and cultural values of the Roman Empire during the Flavian dynasty.

Silius Italicus is believed to have died by voluntary starvation, a practice not uncommon among Roman elites seeking to end their lives with dignity, especially when faced with declining health or political adversity.