Page "Latin literature" Paragraph 20

From the death of Augustus in AD 14 until about 200, Roman authors emphasized style and tried new and startling ways of expression.

During the reign of Nero from 54 to 68, the Stoic philosopher Seneca wrote a number of dialogues and letters on such moral themes as mercy and generosity.

In his Natural Questions, Seneca analyzed earthquakes, floods, and storms.

Seneca's tragedies greatly influenced the growth of tragic drama in Europe.

His nephew Lucan wrote the Pharsalia ( about 60 ), an epic poem describing the civil war between Caesar and Pompey.

The Satyricon ( about 60 ) by Petronius was the first Latin novel.

Only fragments of the complete work survive.

It describes the adventures of various low-class characters in absurd, extravagant, and dangerous situations, often in the world of petty crime.