Silius Italicus *ೃ ༄

What was Silius Italicus’ full name?

Tiberius Catius Asconius SIlius Italicus

When was Silius Itallcis born?

26 AD

What type of consul was Silius Italicus?

novus homo

Whe was Silius Italicus consul?

68 AD

Where was Silius Italicus proconsul?

Asia

Under what emperor was Silius Italicus proconsul of Asia?

Vespasian

Where did Silius Italicus live in retirement?

Campania

Whose villa did Silius Italicus buy?

Cicero

Whom did Silius Italicus refer to as Vergil’s heir?

Martial

What was Silius Italicus’ profession?

lawyer

For whom was Silius Italicus an informer?

Nero

Who tells us that Silius Italicus was an informer for Nero?

Pliny the Younger

How did Silius Italicus die?

starved himsellf to death

Why did Silius Italicus starve himself to death?

incurable disease (possibly a tumor)

What did Pliny the younger write about Silius Italicus?

scribebat carmina maiore cura quam ingenio

What does scribebat carmina maiore cura quam ingenio mean?

“he wrote with more care than talent”

What was the Punica?

an epic poem on the Second Punic War

How long is the Punica?

17 books

What is the longest extant Latin historical epic?

Punica

What is ofte considered to be the worst Latin historical epic poem?

Punica

What event does the Punica begin with?

Hannibal’s expedition to Spain

What event does the Punica end with?

Scipio’s triumph after Zama

What are two examples of divine intervention in the Punica?

Hannibal is whisked away on a cloud; Scipio Africanus goes to the Underworld

What poet does Silius Italicus include a sketch of in his Punica?

Ennius

How does Silius Italicus portray Ennius?

laid back, plays the cithara after battle

What god protects Ennius in the Punica?

Apollo

What epic does Silius present the Punica as a sequel of?

Aeneid

What does Silius present as the origin of the Second Punic War?

Dido’s curse on Aeneas; descendents

What is Aition about?

Bacchus and Falernian wine