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55-577: During the reign of Augustus, Maecenas served as a quasi- culture minister to the Roman emperor but in spite of his wealth and power he chose not to enter the Senate , remaining of equestrian rank. Expressions in Propertius seem to imply that Maecenas had taken some part in the campaigns of Mutina , Philippi , and Perugia . He prided himself on his ancient Etruscan lineage, and claimed descent from

110-451: A Horatian scholar suggests they may have been intended as performance art, a Latin re-interpretation of Greek lyric song. The Roman writer Petronius , writing less than a century after Horace's death, remarked on the curiosa felicitas (studied spontaneity) of the Odes ( Satyricon 118). The English poet Alfred Tennyson declared that the Odes provided "jewels five-words long, that on

165-449: A collection in four books of Latin lyric poems by Horace . The Horatian ode format and style has been emulated since by other poets. Books 1 to 3 were published in 23 BC. A fourth book, consisting of 15 poems, was published in 13 BC. The Odes were developed as a conscious imitation of the short lyric poetry of Greek originals – Pindar , Sappho and Alcaeus are some of Horace's models. His genius lay in applying these older forms to

220-492: A contrast with book 3, where 10 of the odes are longer. The poems seem carefully arranged: the first and last are addressed respectively to Pollio and Maecenas (Horace's two patrons), and the two central odes (10 and 11) are addressed to Lucius Licinius Varro Murena , who was Maecenas's brother-in-law, and a certain Quinctius, who may have been Pollio's brother-in-law. 13 of the 20 poems are addressed to living individuals,

275-646: A few cases, the minister of culture is also responsible for foreign affairs (e.g., in Scotland ), education (e.g., Hungary , Iceland , Indonesia ), science and technology policy (e.g., Japan ), communications/media ( Singapore , UK ), or a geographical area associated with national heritage (e.g., Ireland ). A culture minister may also be called a cultural minister, minister of culture, minister of cultural affairs, minister of arts, minister of heritage, secretary of culture or secretary of state of culture. Odes of Horace The Odes ( Latin : Carmina ) are

330-399: A hardy athlete into a doting lover. I.9, Vides ut alta stet nive candidum... – Winter Without Bids Us Make Merry Within (Soracte) – (with borrowing from an original by Alcaeus ) – To Thaliarchus. The snow is deep and the frost is keen – Pile high the hearth and bring out old wine – Leave all else to the gods. I.10, Mercuri, facunde nepos Atlantis... – Hymn to Mercury – Mercury

385-519: A higher proportion than in books 1 and 3. In many of them Horace gives advice drawn from different philosophical schools. II.1, Motum ex Metello consule civicum... – To Asinius Pollio, the writer of tragedy, who is now composing a history of the civil wars. A lament for the carnage caused by the conflicts of the Romans with their fellow-citizens. II.2, Nullus argento color est avaris... – The Wise Use of Money – To Sallustius Crispus (nephew of

440-468: A man and a statesman, by Marcus Velleius Paterculus , describes him as "of sleepless vigilance in critical emergencies, far-seeing and knowing how to act, but in his relaxation from business more luxurious and effeminate than a woman." Expressions in the Odes of Horace seem to imply that Maecenas was deficient in the robustness of fibre which Romans liked to imagine was characteristic of their city. Maecenas

495-485: A prayer for the safe voyage of Virgil to Athens, which suggests the daring of the earliest mariners and the boldness of men in overcoming difficulties set by Nature. I.4, Solvitur acris hiems... – A Hymn to Springtime – The changing season warns us of the shortness of life. Horace urges his friend Sestius – vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat incohare longam (The brief sum of life forbids us cling to far-off hope). I.5, Quis multa gracilis te puer in rosa... – To

550-558: A war against the Cantabrians. I.37, Nunc est bibendum... – Now Is the Time to Drink! – An ode of joy for Octavian's victory at Actium , the capture of Alexandria, and the death of Cleopatra (30 BC). The tone of triumph over the fallen queen is tempered by a tribute of admiration to her lofty pride and resolute courage. I.38, Persicos odi, puer, apparatus... – Away With Oriental Luxury! – Horace directs his servant to make

605-565: A wine party, Horace endeavors to restrain his quarrelsome companions – He asks the brother of Megilla of Opus to confide the object of his affections. I.28, Te maris et terrae numeroque... – Death, The Doom of All – An unburied corpse first addresses the deceased philosopher Archytas with some philosophical reflections, then requests a passing merchant to stop and bury him. I.29, Icci, beatis nunc Arabum invides... – The Scholar Turned Adventurer – A remonstrance addressed to Iccius on his intention of giving up philosophy and of joining

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660-481: Is addressed as the god of eloquence and the promoter of the civilization of man; as the messenger of the gods and the inventor of the lyre; skilled in craft and cunning; and the conductor of souls to the Underworld. I.11, Tu ne quaesieris... – Carpe Diem ! – The poet seeks to dissuade Leuconoe from giving heed to the false arts of astrologers and diviners. It is vain to inquire into the future – Let us enjoy

715-894: Is most famous for his support of young poets; hence, in most European languages, his name has become an eponym for "patron of arts": in French, mécène ; in Italian, mecenate ; in Spanish, mecenas ; in German, Mäzen ; in Polish, mecenas ; in Czech, mecenáš ; in Hungarian, mécenás ; in Ukrainian, Russian, and Bulgarian, меценат . The eponym has been in use since at least the composition of Laus Pisonis ("Praise of Piso") by an unknown author in

770-603: Is not entirely chronological, and their composition followed both books of Satires and the Epodes , this argument is plainly specious; but doubtless the milieu of Maecenas's circle influenced the writing of the Roman Odes (III.1–6) and others such as the ode to Pollio, Motum ex Metello (II.1). Maecenas endeavoured also to divert the less masculine genius of Propertius from harping continually on his love to themes of public interest, an effort which to some extent backfired in

825-584: Is said to have been the first to construct a swimming bath of hot water in Rome, which may have been in the gardens. The luxury of his gardens and villas incurred the displeasure of Seneca the Younger . Though the approximate site is known, it is not easy to reconcile literary indications to determine the gardens' exact location, whether or not they lay on both sides of the Servian ager and both north and south of

880-737: The Elegiae in Maecenatem , which were written after his death and collected in the Appendix Vergiliana . In various languages, Maecenas' name has given rise to a word for private patronage , mainly cultural but sometimes wider, usually perceived as more altruistic than sponsorship . A verse of the Latin-language student song Gaudeamus igitur wishes longevity upon the charity of the students' benefactors ("Maecenatum", genitive plural of "Maecenas"). Phillis Wheatley ,

935-562: The Eclogues and the Georgics of Virgil was in a great measure the result of the direction given by the statesman to the poet's genius. A similar change between the earlier odes of Horace, in which he declares his epicurean indifference to affairs of state, and the great national odes of the third book has been ascribed by some to the same guidance. However, since the organization of the Odes

990-500: The Palatine Hill via his Domus Transitoria , and viewed the burning of that from the turris Maecenatiana. This turris was probably the "molem propinquam nubibus arduis" ("the pile, among the clouds") mentioned by Horace. Whether the horti Maecenatiani bought by Fronto actually were the former gardens of Maecenas is unknown, and the domus Frontoniana mentioned in the twelfth century by Magister Gregorius may also refer to

1045-536: The emperor Augustus. He first appears in history in 40 BC, when he was employed by Octavian in arranging his marriage with Scribonia , and afterwards in assisting to negotiate the Treaty of Brundisium and the reconciliation with Mark Antony . As a close friend and advisor he had even acted as deputy for Augustus when he was abroad. It was in 38 BC that Horace was introduced to Maecenas, who had before this received Lucius Varius Rufus and Virgil into his intimacy. In

1100-723: The porta Esquilina . Common graves of the archaic Esquiline necropolis have been found near the north-west corner of the modern Piazza Vittorio Emanuele , that is, outside the Esquiline gate of antiquity and north of the via Tiburtina vetus ; most probably the horti Maecenatiani extended north from this gate and road on both sides of the ager . The " Auditorium of Maecenas ", a probable venue for dining and entertainment, may still be visited (upon reservation) on Largo Leopardi near Via Merulana . The gardens became imperial property after Maecenas's death, and Tiberius lived there after his return to Rome in 2 AD. Nero connected them with

1155-464: The "Journey to Brundisium", in 37, Maecenas and Marcus Cocceius Nerva – great-grandfather of the future emperor Nerva – are described as having been sent on an important mission, and they were successful in patching up, by the Treaty of Tarentum , a reconciliation between the two claimants for supreme power. During the Sicilian war against Sextus Pompeius in 36, Maecenas was sent back to Rome, and

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1210-461: The 18th-century poet and the first African-American writer to publish a book, published a poem "To Maecenas" as the first poem in her 1773 book Poems on Various subjects, Religious and Moral . In Poland and Western Ukraine, a lawyer would customarily be addressed with the honorific Pan Mecenas . In F. Scott Fitzgerald 's novel The Great Gatsby , Maecenas is one of the three famous wealthy men, along with Midas and J. P. Morgan , whose secrets

1265-573: The Death of Quintilius I.25, Parcius iunctas quatiunt fenestras... – Lydia, Thy Charms Are Past – Horace taunts Lydia with her approaching old age and her lack of admirers. I.26, Musis amicus tristitiam et metus tradam... – In Praise of Aelius Lamia – The poet bids the Muses to inspire him to sing the praises of Aelius Lamia, a man distinguished for his exploits in war. I.27, Natis in usum laetitiae scyphis... – Let Moderation Reign – At

1320-660: The Delights of the Country – Horace invites Tyndaris to his Sabine farm , and describes the air of tranquility and security there, blessed as it is with favoring protection of Faunus and the rural deities. I.18, Nullam, Vare, sacra vite prius severis arborem... – The Praise of Wine, and the ill effects of intemperance. I.19, Mater saeva Cupidinum... – The Poet's Love for Glycera I.20, Vile potabis modicis Sabinum cantharis... – An Invitation to Maecenas – You will drink poor Sabine wine in modest bowls when you visit

1375-527: The First Three Books of the Odes to Maecenas (Horace's Patron) – Every man is governed by his ruling passion: the Olympian charioteer, the politician, the trader, the husbandman, the merchant, the man of pleasure, the soldier, and the hunter. To win the title of a lyric poet is all that Horace desires. I.2, Iam satis terris nivis atque dirae... – To Octavian , The Deliverer and Hope of

1430-626: The Lyre – The poet addresses his lyre, and blends with the address the praises of the Greek poet Alcaeus. I.33, Albi, ne doleas plus nimio memor... – The Faithless Glycera – A consolation to the contemporary poet Tibullus over a lost love. I.34, Parcus deorum cultor et infrequens... – The Poet's Conversion from Error – After hearing thunder in a cloudless sky, Horace renounces his former error and declares his belief in Jupiter, Fortuna, and

1485-484: The Sabine Mountains. Propertius and the minor poets Varius Rufus , Plotius Tucca , Valgius Rufus , and Domitius Marsus also were his protégés. His character as a munificent patron of literature – which has made his name a household word – is gratefully acknowledged by the recipients of it and attested by the regrets of the men of letters of a later age, expressed by Martial and Juvenal . His patronage

1540-530: The State – The subject of this ode is the overflowing of the Tiber, which recalls to the poet the flood of Deucalion. He imagines that the disaster is caused by the wrath of Ilia (the wife of Tiber), the civil wars, and the assassination of Julius Caesar. Octavian, as Mercury in human shape, is invoked to save the empire. I.3, Sic te diva potens Cypri... – To Virgil, Setting Out for Greece – The ode begins with

1595-710: The average being about 30 lines. Book 1 consists of 38 poems. The opening sequence of nine poems are all in a different metre, with a tenth metre appearing in 1.11. It has been suggested that poems 1.12–1.18 form a second parade, this time of allusions to or imitations of a variety of Greek lyric poets: Pindar in 1.12, Sappho in 1.13, Alcaeus in 1.14, Bacchylides in 1.15, Stesichorus in 1.16, Anacreon in 1.17, and Alcaeus again in 1.18. The book contains many well-known phrases, such as nunc est bibendum (1.37.1), carpe diem (1.9.7), and nil desperandum (1.7.27). The poems can be summarised as follows: I.1, Maecenas atavis edite regibus... – Dedication of

1650-420: The expedition to Arabia Felix. I.30, O Venus, regina Cnidi Paphique... – A Prayer to Venus – Venus is invoked to abandon for a while her beloved Cyprus, and to honor with her presence the temple prepared for her at the home of Glycera. I.31, Quid dedicatum poscit Apollinem vates?... – Prayer to Apollo on the consecration of his temple. I.32, Poscimus, si quid vacui sub umbra... – Invocation to

1705-551: The first century CE. Edmund Spenser 's shepherds complain that there is no "Mecoenas" in England in the 1570s. Maecenas supported Virgil , who wrote the Georgics in his honour. It was Virgil, impressed with examples of Horace 's poetry, who introduced Horace to Maecenas. Indeed, Horace begins the first poem of his Odes ( Odes I.i) by addressing his new patron. Maecenas gave him full financial support as well as an estate in

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1760-544: The flirt Pyrrha, who is as faithless as the winds or seas, and whose fancy no lover can hold onto. (See Odes 1.5 .) I.6, Scribēris Vario fortis et hostium victor... – Horace pleads his inability to worthily sing the praises of M. Vipsanius Agrippa, the distinguished Roman Commander. I.7, Laudabunt alii claram Rhodon aut Mytilenen... – Fairest of Spots, O Plancus, is Tibur – There, or wherever you may be, drown your cares in wine. I.8, Lydia, dic, per omnis te deos oro... – To Lydia, who has transformed Sybaris from

1815-421: The gardens of Maecenas. His name has become a byword in many languages for a well-connected and wealthy patron. For instance, John Dewey , in his lectures Art as Experience , said: "Economic patronage by wealthy and powerful individuals has at many times played a part in the encouragement of artistic production. Probably many a savage tribe had its Maecenas." Maecenas is celebrated for this role in two poems,

1870-544: The historian Sallust). The love of gain grows by self-indulgence. The moderate man is the genuine king. II.3, Aequam memento rebus in arduis... – The Wisdom of Moderation, The Certainty of Death – To Quintus Dellius. Let us enjoy our life while we may, for death will soon strip us all alike of our possessions. II.4, Ne sit ancillae tibi amor pudori... – To Xanthias Phoceus – Horace encourages his friend on his love for Phyllis, his slave. II.5, Nondum subacta ferre iugum valet... – Not Yet! – The beautiful Lalage

1925-500: The ironic elegies of Book III. But if the motive of his patronage had been merely political, it never could have inspired the affection which it did in its recipients. The great charm of Maecenas in his relation to the men of genius who formed his circle was his simplicity, cordiality and sincerity. Although not particular in the choice of some of the associates of his pleasures, he admitted none but men of worth to his intimacy, and when once admitted they were treated like equals. Much of

1980-500: The loss of the imperial favour to Maecenas' having indiscreetly revealed to Terentia, his allegedly beautiful but difficult wife, the discovery of the conspiracy in which her brother Lucius Licinius Varro Murena was implicated, but according to Cassius Dio (writing in the early 3rd century AD) it was due to the emperor's relations with Terentia. Maecenas died in 8 BC, leaving the emperor sole heir to his wealth. Opinions were much divided in ancient times as to his personal character; but

2035-510: The misery of jealousy with the happiness secured by constancy in love. I.14, O navis, referent in mare te novi fluctus... – The Ship of State – Horace refers to a period during which the Roman state was tossed and nearly wrecked by perpetual storms. He exhorts it to beware of fresh perils and keep safely in harbor. I.15, Pastor cum traheret... – The Prophecy of Nereus – As Paris hurries from Sparta to Troy with Helen, Nereus stills

2090-461: The national heritage of a country and cultural expression of a country or subnational region. This responsibility usually manifests in the accompanying ministry (also called a "department"), governing the following: In some countries or subnational jurisdictions (e.g., provinces, regions, Länder), the minister of culture may also be responsible for sport, youth issues, or tourism (e.g., in Turkey ). In

2145-503: The novel's narrator Nick Carraway hopes to find in the books he buys for his home library. Maecenas is a supporting character in William Shakespeare 's play Antony and Cleopatra , in which he is presented as a level-headed and loyal lieutenant to Octavian; Enobarbus describes him as 'half the heart of Caesar'. Maecenas was portrayed by Alex Wyndham in the second season of the 2005 HBO television series Rome . He

2200-569: The poet. I.21, Dianam tenerae dicite virgines... – Hymn to Diana and Apollo and their mother Latona I.22, Integer vitae scelerisque purus... – Upright of Life and Free from Wickedness – Addressed to Aristius Fuscus – Begins as a solemn praise of honest living and ends in a mock-heroic song of love for sweetly laughing "Lalage" (cf. II.5.16, Propertius IV.7.45). I.23, Vitas inuleo me similis, Chloë... – Fear Me Not, Chloe, and do not shun me. (See Odes 1.23 .) I.24, Quis desiderio sit pudor aut modus... – To Virgil – A Lament for

2255-443: The present, for this is all we can command. It closes with the famous line: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero (Seize the day, trusting tomorrow as little as possible). I.12, Quem virum aut heroa lyra... – The Praises of Octavian – The poet praises Octavian by associating him with gods and heroes, and distinguished Romans of earlier days. I.13, Cum tu, Lydia... – Jealousy – Addressed to Lydia – The poet contrasts

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2310-457: The princely house of the Cilnii , who excited the jealousy of their townsmen by their preponderant wealth and influence at Arretium in the 4th century BC. Horace makes reference to this in his address to Maecenas at the opening of his first books of Odes with the expression "atavis edite regibus" (descendant of kings). Tacitus refers to him as "Cilnius Maecenas"; it is possible that "Cilnius"

2365-421: The simplest preparations for his entertainment. Book 2 consists of 20 poems. This book is noticeably different in style from book 1: the great variety of metres of book 1 has gone: instead, all but two of the odes are either Alcaic or Sapphic. The odes are a little longer on average than those in book 1: only one ode has less than 6 stanzas, compared with 24 in book 1; also there are no odes longer than 10 stanzas,

2420-526: The social life of Rome in the age of Augustus . The Odes cover a range of subjects – love; friendship; wine; religion; morality; patriotism; poems of eulogy addressed to Augustus and his relations; and verses written on a miscellany of subjects and incidents, including the uncertainty of life, the cultivation of tranquility and contentment, and the observance of moderation or the " golden mean ." The Odes have been considered traditionally by English-speaking scholars as purely literary works. Recent evidence by

2475-529: The stretched forefinger of all Time / Sparkle for ever" ( The Princess , part II, l.355). The four books of odes contain 103 poems in total (104 if the Carmen Saeculare is included). They are not all of equal length. Books 1, 2, 3, and 4 have 876 lines, 572 lines, 1004 lines, and 582 lines respectively. (The Carmen Saeculare has 76 lines.) The number of poems in each book is 38, 20, 30, and 15. The odes range from 8 lines to 80 lines in length,

2530-437: The superintending providence of the gods. I.35, O diva, gratum quae regis Antium... – Hymn to Fortuna – The poet invokes Fortune as an all-powerful goddess. He implores her to preserve Octavian in his distant expeditions, and to save the state from ruinous civil wars. I.36, Et ture et fidibus iuvat – An Ode of Congratulation to Plotius Numida, on his safe return from Spain, where he had been serving under Octavian in

2585-423: The testimony as to his administrative and diplomatic ability was unanimous. He enjoyed the credit of sharing largely in the establishment of the new order of things, of reconciling parties, and of carrying the new empire safely through many dangers. To his influence especially were attributed the more humane policies of Octavian after his first alliance with Antony and Lepidus . The best summary of his character as

2640-617: The use of rare words and awkward transpositions. According to Dio Cassius , Maecenas was also the inventor of a system of shorthand . Maecenas sited his famous gardens, the first gardens in the Hellenistic - Persian garden style in Rome, on the Esquiline Hill , atop the Servian Wall and its adjoining necropolis , near the gardens of Lamia. It contained terraces , libraries, and other aspects of Roman culture. Maecenas

2695-402: The winds and prophesies – Ilium 's doom is inevitable. I.16, O matre pulchra filia pulchrior... – An Apology – The poet has offended some lady by the intemperate utterances of his verse; he now seeks forgiveness for the fault. He describes the sad effects of unbridled anger, and urges her to restrain hers. I.17, Velox amoenum saepe Lucretilem... – An Invitation to Tyndaris to Enjoy

2750-711: The wisdom of Maecenas probably lives in the Satires and Epistles of Horace. It has fallen to the lot of no other patron of literature to have his name associated with works of such lasting interest as the Georgics of Virgil, the first three books of Horace's Odes , and the first book of his Epistles. Two poems in the Appendix Vergiliana are elegies to him. Virgil cannot have written them, as he died eleven years before Maecenas; they may have been written by Albinovanus Pedo . Maecenas also wrote literature himself in both prose and verse, which are now lost literary work . The some twenty fragments that remain show that he

2805-594: Was entrusted with supreme administrative control in the city and in Italy. He was vicegerent of Octavian during the campaign that led to the Battle of Actium , when, with great promptness and secrecy, he crushed the conspiracy of Lepidus the Younger ; during the subsequent absences of his chief in the provinces he again held the same position. During the latter years of his life as recorded by Suetonius he fell somewhat out of favour with his master. The historian attributes

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2860-416: Was exercised, not from vanity or a mere dilettante love of letters, but with a view to the higher interest of the state. He recognized in the genius of the poets of that time not only the truest ornament of the court, but the power of reconciling men's minds to the new order of things, and of investing the actual state of affairs with an ideal glory and majesty . The change in seriousness of purpose between

2915-522: Was his mother's nomen – or that Maecenas was in fact a cognomen . The Gaius Maecenas mentioned in Cicero as an influential member of the equestrian order in 91 BC may have been his grandfather, or even his father. The testimony of Horace and Maecenas's own literary tastes imply that he had profited from the highest education of his time. His great wealth may have been in part hereditary, but he owed his position and influence to his close connection with

2970-428: Was less successful as an author than as a judge and patron of literature. His prose works on various subjects – Prometheus , dialogues like Symposium (a banquet at which Virgil, Horace, and Messalla were present), De cultu suo (on his manner of life), and a poem In Octaviam ("Against Octavia ") of which the content is unclear – were ridiculed by Augustus, Seneca , and Quintilian for their strange style ,

3025-546: Was portrayed by Russell Barr in the made-for-TV movie Imperium: Augustus . He is also featured in one episode of the second series of Plebs on ITV . In the 2021 TV series Domina , he was portrayed by Youssef Kerkour . Culture minister A culture minister or a heritage minister is a common cabinet position in governments . The culture minister is typically responsible for cultural policy , which often includes arts policy (direct and indirect support to artists and arts organizations) and measures to protect

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