The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind Roman Poetry: Horace, Ovid, and Seneca
Feb 20, 2025
Dr. Hava Bracha Korzakova, a celebrated poet and classicist from Bar-Ilan University, explores the vital role of Roman poetry in shaping Western civilization. She contrasts Roman and Greek poetry, highlighting Horace's technical mastery and Ovid's insightful portrayal of women. Korzakova delves into the mythic tapestry of Ovid’s 'Metamorphoses' and compares the entertainment-focused Roman drama with Greek theater. She also discusses Seneca's lasting influence on Christian thought and reflects on how Roman culture informs today's political and social landscapes.
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Poetry Carries Rome's Civilizational Legacy
- Roman poetry is the primary vehicle through which much of ancient civilization reached the West.
- Hava Bracha Korzakova argues poetry carries the deepest imprint of Rome's cultural legacy.
Rome Refined Greek Cultural Tools
- Romans inherited Greek culture late and used it as a refined toolkit rather than originating forms.
- Korzakova says Roman poetry is colder, more intellectual, and more technically polished than Greek originals.
Master Poetry Like A Craft
- Study poetry rigorously because poetic craft is a learned technical skill.
- Korzakova insists poets should train for years to master meter, language, and imagery.
