Cilna Gaius Maecenas (Gaius Cilnius)

Maecenas, Gaius Cilna; Maecenas, Gaius Cilnius, 70-8 gg. BC. e., Roman statesman and writer. Came from an aristocratic Etruscan kind of Arretiya (sovr. Arezzo), although the father's family for several generations in a row lived in Rome, and belonged to the equestrian estate. He soon found himself in the immediate vicinity of August, became his adviser and confidant. In political activity showed the true talent and energy. He died after a long illness, bequeathed his vast fortune Augustus. - M. was also engaged in literature. He has written dialogues, including Prometheus (Fr.), the autobiography of The development of the body (De cultu suo; fr.), Which act Virgil, Horace and Messan, praise Octavia (In Octaviam; fr.) Also produced poetry in the form of topics oriented Catullus. Language and style of M. impressed contemporaries (August) and the subsequent generation (Seneca the Philosopher) imprecise and negligence, neologisms, overly ambitious drawdowns. But much more significant own creativity M. was the full support that he provided to gather around him young talents. By its surroundings belonged: Virgil, Horace, Propertius, Vary Ruf, Aemilius Macer. Within this framework reigned friendly friendly atmosphere born out of respect for individual tastes and personal independence, although it is possible that some works were created and at the request of M. Name M. has become a synonym for the descendants of a defender and protector, especially the patron of all kinds of artists and workers of the pen.