Lucius Varius Rufus (c. 74 – 14 BC) was a prominent Roman poet of the early Augustan era, remembered for his close association with literary figures like Virgil and Horace. He played a significant role in shaping Roman literature during a period marked by political transformation and cultural flourishing under Augustus. His contributions, though partially lost, reflect his mastery of both epic and tragic forms.

Life and Associations

Varius Rufus was well-connected within the literary and political circles of his time. He was a friend of Virgil, whom he assisted in preparing the unfinished Aeneid for publication after Virgil’s death, alongside Plotius Tucca. This critical task ensured the epic’s survival and its enduring influence on Western literature. Varius was also instrumental in introducing Horace to Maecenas, a key patron of the arts, thereby facilitating Horace’s rise within the Augustan literary circle.

Horace praised Varius as a master of epic poetry. In his Odes (i.6), he described Varius as the only poet capable of properly celebrating the achievements of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, one of Rome’s greatest generals. Virgil, too, acknowledged Varius’s literary prowess, lamenting his own inability to rival the works of Varius and Helvius Cinna in the Eclogues (ix.35).

Image: Horace, Virgil, and Varius gathered at Maecenas’ residence.

Works and Literary Contributions

Epic Poetry

Varius was recognized for his expertise in epic poetry, although much of his work has not survived. Ancient sources, including Macrobius, refer to an epic poem titled De Morte (“On Death”), which included lines later adapted or echoed by Virgil. Horace’s Satires (i.10, 43) and later commentary suggest Varius also authored a panegyric in honor of Augustus, celebrating the emperor’s achievements.

Tragedy: Thyestes

Varius’s most renowned work is the tragedy Thyestes, which achieved significant acclaim in antiquity. According to Quintilian (Institutio Oratoria x.1.98), Thyestes was considered equal to the best Greek tragedies, showcasing Varius’s ability to adapt and elevate dramatic forms within the Roman literary tradition.

The tragedy was performed in 29 BC during the games held by Octavian (later Augustus) to celebrate his victory at Actium. Its production earned Varius immense recognition, including a lavish reward of one million sesterces from the Roman ruler, highlighting the play’s political and cultural significance. This work is often cited as a masterpiece of Roman tragedy, blending themes of familial betrayal and revenge with the moral and political concerns of its time.

Influence and Legacy

Varius’s works, though largely fragmentary, were influential in their time and left an indelible mark on Roman literature. His contemporaries held him in high regard, as evidenced by the admiration of Horace and Virgil. His tragedy Thyestes in particular set a standard for Roman drama, offering a native counterpoint to the celebrated Greek tragic tradition.

The fragments and references to Varius’s works have been studied in various scholarly compilations, including E. Bahrens’ Fragmenta Poetarum Romanorum (1886) and monographs by A. Weichert (1836) and R. Unger (1870, 1878, 1898). Modern scholars continue to assess Varius’s impact within the broader context of Augustan literature, particularly his contributions to the development of Roman epic and tragedy.

A painting depicting Horace. Artwork by Italian painter Giacomo Di Chirico

Significance in the Augustan Age

Varius’s literary achievements align with the cultural priorities of the Augustan age, a period characterized by the integration of art and literature into the political narrative of Rome. By composing works that celebrated the achievements of Augustus and his associates, Varius contributed to the ideological project of framing Augustus’s rule as a golden age of peace and prosperity.

Through his Thyestes and other works, Varius demonstrated how Roman poetry could merge traditional forms with contemporary themes, ensuring his place among the leading literary figures of his era. His collaboration with Virgil and Horace further highlights his pivotal role in shaping the literary legacy of the early Roman Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Varius’s relationship with Virgil and Horace?

Varius was a close friend of both Virgil and Horace. After Virgil’s death, he, along with Plotius Tucca, prepared the unfinished Aeneid for publication. He also helped Horace gain an introduction to Maecenas, a key literary patron of the Augustan era.

What were Varius’s major works?

Varius’s notable works include the epic De Morte (“On Death”) and a panegyric on Augustus. His most famous piece, however, is the tragedy Thyestes, which Quintilian regarded as equal to the finest Greek tragedies.

**What is Thyestes, and why is it significant?**

Thyestes is a Roman tragedy by Varius that was performed in 29 BC during games celebrating Octavian’s (Augustus) victory at Actium. It was highly acclaimed, earning Varius immense recognition and a substantial reward. Quintilian praised it as one of the finest tragedies of its time.

**How was Varius rewarded for his work on Thyestes?**

Varius received a reward of one million sesterces from Octavian (later Augustus) for Thyestes, underscoring its cultural and political importance during the Augustan age.

What did Horace and Virgil say about Varius?

Horace described Varius as a master of epic poetry and the only poet capable of properly celebrating the achievements of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Virgil, in the Eclogues (ix.35), expressed admiration for Varius’s literary skills, lamenting that his own work could not match that of Varius.

Image: Bust of Virgil.

What themes did Varius explore in his works?

Varius’s works often explored themes of mortality (De Morte), political achievements (his panegyric on Augustus), and complex human emotions and conflicts (Thyestes), aligning with the cultural and ideological values of the Augustan age.

**What role did Varius play in preserving Virgil’s Aeneid?**

After Virgil’s death, Varius, along with Plotius Tucca, was entrusted by Augustus to edit and prepare the Aeneid for publication. They followed Virgil’s wishes not to alter the text significantly, ensuring its preservation for posterity.

What recognition did Varius receive in antiquity?

Varius was highly respected by his contemporaries and later critics. Quintilian compared his tragedy Thyestes to the best Greek tragedies, and his peers admired his literary talent and contributions to Roman culture.