Ancient Roman Travel and Travelers in The Journey to Brundisium by Horace

Abstract

The article examines in detail the historical and real context of one of the most famous ancient Roman journeys, which was described by Horace in the fifth poem of the first book of satires. The poem is also called Iter Brundisinum, since Horace traveled from Rome to the port of Brundisium on the east coast of Italy. Horace, with his friends-poets, accompanied Maecenas, who had an important diplomatic mission: he was supposed to facilitate the conclusion of a new peace treaty between Octavian and Anthony. The question of the chronology of this journey is complex and confusing; it was even suggested that Horace made up his story, combining several trips that occurred in different years. The most likely dating is the spring of 37 BC, when negotiations took place between the triumvirs, ending with the conclusion of the Treaty of Tarentum. The article puts forward arguments in favor of this hypothesis. With regards to style, Iter Brundisinum is travel diary entries in the poetic form of satura; there is little information in the text about the political situation. Recently, researchers have been trying to discern political subtext and allusions in some scenes of this poem. These attempts are not always successful. Some explanations were also suggested for the abrupt ending of Iter Brundisinum, which has disappointed many historians. The poet’s deliberate detachment from the political agenda, insignificant details that are so important for his comfort and self-perception, allow us to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings, the experience of journey by a Roman traveler, i. e., to study men in time.

Keywords:

Ancient Rome, travel, Horace, satires, “Journey to Brundisium”