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The Group where the Latin Language can be taught, learned and discussed |
LITTERATVRA CLASSICA
(10 threads, 116 posts)
 Ars Epistulae Scribendae
Historical Thread
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epistula
The art of writing letters and correspondence has been perfectionized by the Romans, who considered education in this field very important, since the letter was the only means of communication over a long distance. Some correspondences have been preserved very well because of their fame or (historical/philosophical)importance. The letters of Cicero (1st century B.C.) to his brother, wife and children are famous. Seneca (1st century A.D.) wrote numerous letters to a man called Lucilius, of whom it is not sure whether he really existed; these letters contained important philosophical messages for many Romans to keep in mind. Plinius Minor (1st/2nd century A.D.) wrote letters to his family and friends (of whom the most important one was the historian Tacitus) and, last but not least, in his function of governor of Bithynia and Pontus to his boss, the Emperor Traianus, about striking questions about how to deal with local political and social matters.
All in all, the Latin letter is worth it to be read in Latin!
