The Poetry of Power: Horace in Augustan Rome

This chapter examines the evolution of poetry recitation in 30s BCE Rome, focusing on how poets like Horace navigated the complexities of public performance and patronage. It highlights Horace's duality of praise and self-assertion in his works, reflecting on the intricate dynamics of patrons and political power during the Augustan age. The analysis delves into Horace's tactical balance of admiration and critique, as well as his reflections on the ethical dimensions of these relationships within Roman society.