Sunday, June 22, 2008

Who's who: L. Flavius Flaccus

Reputation: Flavius Flaccus is a famous decadent poet. He has been involved in many scandals and is generally considered a danger to public morals. His poetry is noted for being very clever and occasionally quite insightful, ranging from cynical to nakedly honest in a single line. His parties are wild events which few would choose to miss.
.
.
History: Flaccus was born in DCXXV in Rome. His father is a lawyer and occasional politician. He had little interest or aptitude in public service. He briefly served in a legion with distinction eventually raising to the rank of aquilifer but was dismissed for indecency. In DCXLVI. he published his first book of poetry, to critical acclaim. He publishes about one or two books a year. DCLII he published Love's siege which is a thinly veiled autobiographical account of his sexual exploits with T. Tarquinius Helva's entire family. His friend Ser. Calprunius Clavis turned it into a play and M. Laelius Pictor produced the play. Tarquinius Helva sued all three men. Though well defended by Manlius Calvus, they were exiled to different provinces. Flaccus was exiled to Africa Proconsularis.
.

.
Family: Flaccus is engaged to Sex. Aemilia Lepida.
.

.
Character: Flaccus is famously libertine. It is rumored that he has had over a thousand lovers and spends much of his time running from jealous husbands and angry fathers. He sometimes get obsessed with some project and will work on it for a few weeks before he gets bored and moves on. He can usually be found in the public baths or throwing lavish parties.
.

.
Politics: Flaccus honestly doesn't care about politics but follows politics closely for material for his satirical poetry. He believes all politicians are equally ridiculous.

No comments: