Quick Facts
De Rerum Natura. Epicurean poet who explained atoms before science.
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Life Journey
Titus Lucretius Carus was born to a family of equestrian rank in Rome, during the Roman Republic.
Lucretius spends his early years in Rome, likely receiving basic education and exposure to Roman culture and traditions.
Lucretius starts his formal education, studying under Roman tutors and learning the basics of Latin, Greek, and rhetoric.
Lucretius delves deeper into philosophy and literature, reading works by Greek philosophers and Roman poets, which shape his intellectual foundation.
Lucretius discovers the works of Epicurus and becomes deeply interested in Epicurean philosophy, which emphasizes materialism and the pursuit of ataraxia.
Lucretius starts composing his magnum opus, De Rerum Natura, a didactic poem that explains Epicurean philosophy and the nature of the universe.
Lucretius completes the initial draft of De Rerum Natura, refining his arguments and poetic style over several years of revision.
Lucretius continues to revise and refine his poem, incorporating new insights and enhancing its clarity and persuasiveness.
Lucretius gains recognition among Roman intellectuals for his philosophical and poetic contributions, becoming a respected figure in the cultural scene.
Lucretius's poem begins to circulate among scholars and intellectuals, gaining a small but dedicated following for its innovative ideas.
Lucretius continues to write and refine his philosophical and poetic ideas, contributing to the intellectual landscape of Rome.
Lucretius faces personal and possibly political challenges, which may have affected his health and productivity during this period.
Lucretius completes the final revisions to De Rerum Natura, ensuring that it is a comprehensive and coherent work of philosophy and poetry.
Lucretius publishes De Rerum Natura, which becomes a significant work of Latin literature and philosophy, influencing future generations.
Titus Lucretius Carus dies in Rome, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important Epicurean philosophers and poets of the Roman Republic.