Aemilius Macer

Aemilius Macer, a distinguished Roman didactic poet from Verona, made significant contributions to literature during his lifetime. He is best known for his two notable poems: the first, titled Ornithogonia, explores the world of birds and is a translation of a work by Boios. The second poem, Theriaca, addresses antidotes against serpent poison and draws inspiration from the Greek poet Nicander of Colophon.

According to the early Christian scholar Jerome, Aemilius Macer passed away in sixteen BC. There is speculation that he may have also authored a botanical work, although this remains uncertain. The poem known as Floridus or De viribus (aut virtutibus) herbarum, which is often attributed to him, is actually a medieval creation by Odo Magdunensis, a French physician.

It is essential to differentiate Aemilius Macer from another poet referred to as Macer Iliacus, who is mentioned in Ovid's catalogue of poets. This latter Macer is recognized for his epic poem detailing events leading up to the Iliad. Ovid's correspondence in the epistles Ex Ponto indicates that this Macer lived long after Aemilius Macer, suggesting a rich tapestry of literary figures in the Roman era.