Lucilius

Lucilius, Roman poet, the creator of that form of poetic satire which was wielded so brilliantly by his successors, Horace, Persius, and Juvenal. He was born at Suessa Auranca, in Campania, probably in 164 or 166 B.C. Other dates given or suggested are 148 and 180. He was on intimate terms with the Younger Scipio, under whom he is said to have served at Numantia, and of Lælius. He was a thorough man of the world, and wrote in a bold, independent tone, choosing for his subjects contemporary events, persons, affectations, vices, &c. He enjoyed great popularity during his lifetime, so much so that at his death in 102, at Naples, he was honoured with a public funeral, although he had never held any public office. He wrote thirty books of Satires, of which nothing but fragments remain, preserved in great part by the grammarians. The best editions of these fragments are Lachmann's (Berlin, 1876) and L. Müller's (Leip. 1872), who also wrote Leben und Werke des Lucilius (1876).