Flavian Epic Poetry

Abstract

Flavian Epic Poetry is considered one of the most important literary works that distinguished the period of the rule of the Roman emperors from the time of Vespasian to Domitian. Flavian epic poetry was named after the Emperor Vespasian, which indicates that most of the epic works were organized to glorify the emperors and celebrate their military victories. This flattery is considered to be a famous characteristic of the style of that period. Among the most famous poets who wrote epic works in this era were Valerius Flaccus, Papenius Statius, and Silius Italicus. Each of them composed a number of epics similar to the Greek epics for the sake of imitating their precious treasures, like Argonautica, who was imitated by Valerius, the Thebaid by Statius, and the Punica by Italicus. Flavian epic poetry was characterized by exaggeration, especially regarding the description of events and the use of gods who intervene in the course of things in order to achieve their benefits. The heroic nature that the epics aimed to highlight is also evident in epic poetry.