born с 70
died 8 BC
Roman diplomat and literary patron.
He claimed descent from Etruscan kings. Though highly influential in the state, he held no title, nor did he wish to be a senator. From 43 on he helped Octavian (later Augustus ) diplomatically and domestically, administering Rome and Italy while Octavian was fighting Antony in 31. He is best remembered as the generous patron of such writers as Virgil , Horace , and {{link=Propertius, Sextus">Propertius ; he used the work of such literati to glorify Augustus's regime. In 23, after the discovery of his brother-in-law's conspiracy against Augustus, he was forced to retire.
Gaius Maecenas, marble bust; in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Rome
Alinari
Art Resource/EB Inc.