Ovid Fasti: A Selection

This is the OCR-endorsed edition covering the Latin A-Level (Group 4) prescription of Ovid, Fasti 2.533–616, 687–852, giving full Latin text, commentary and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed material to be read in English.

Ovid’s Fasti is a fascinating poem, which discusses key events in the Roman religious calendar, along with their mythological and historical origins. As such it provides a remarkable opportunity for readers to experience the intersection of poetry and Roman ‘socio-cultural values’. These extracts from Fasti II include the story of Hercules and Omphale, along with one of the most famous tales from Roman history, the story of Lucretia and the ensuing expulsion of the Roman Kings and creation of the Republic. Through his treatment of this latter narrative in particular, Ovid is not only playing with historical tradition, but also asking his Roman readers to perceive the echoes of the past in their present experiences.

Supporting resources are available on the Companion Website: https://www.bloomsbury.pub/OCR-editions-2024-2026