Carmen saeculare

Definition

Carmen saeculare is a Latin term that translates to 'secular song' and refers specifically to a hymn composed by the poet Horace in 17 BCE for the Secular Games in Rome. This work was significant as it marked a revival of public religious ceremonies and showcased the cultural renaissance occurring during the Augustan era, celebrating the peace and prosperity established by Augustus. The hymn also emphasizes themes of renewal and continuity, which were central to the artistic and architectural endeavors of the time, including temple construction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The carmen saeculare was performed during the Secular Games, which were held to celebrate a new era of peace and prosperity under Augustus.
2. Horace's hymn was unique as it blended traditional Roman religious themes with contemporary poetic style, reflecting the cultural revival of the time.
3. The carmen saeculare calls upon various deities, highlighting their role in maintaining the favor of the gods for Rome's future.
4. The performance of this hymn signified not just a religious observance but also a public reaffirmation of loyalty to Augustus and his regime.
5. The composition represented a shift in Roman literature where poets began to engage more with public life and state-sponsored events, linking art directly to political power.

Review Questions

• How does carmen saeculare reflect the cultural renaissance occurring during Augustus's reign?
  • Carmen saeculare showcases the cultural renaissance of Augustus's reign through its blend of traditional religious themes with contemporary poetic innovation. Horace's work highlights a revival in public ceremonies that reinstated the importance of religion in civic life while simultaneously celebrating the peace achieved through Augustus's leadership. This intertwining of culture and politics demonstrates how art served as a tool for reinforcing societal values and loyalty to the state.
• Discuss the role of Horace as a poet in relation to carmen saeculare and its significance in Roman society.
  • Horace played a pivotal role as a poet during the Augustan era, with carmen saeculare being one of his most significant contributions. His ability to weave together themes of renewal, celebration, and divine favor resonated deeply within Roman society, particularly during the Secular Games. By composing this hymn, Horace not only solidified his place in literary history but also helped shape public sentiment towards Augustus's regime, illustrating how poetry became intertwined with state-sponsored events that sought to unify and inspire the populace.
• Analyze how carmen saeculare exemplifies the connection between literature and architecture in Augustan Rome.
  • Carmen saeculare exemplifies the close relationship between literature and architecture in Augustan Rome by highlighting how both mediums were utilized to communicate themes of renewal and stability. As Horace's hymn celebrated the Secular Games, monumental architectural projects like temples were being constructed to honor deities mentioned in his verses. This synergy between poetic expression and architectural grandeur reflects a broader artistic vision during Augustus's reign, where literature enhanced public performances and physical structures reinforced ideological messages about Rome's enduring legacy and divine support.

Related terms

Secular Games:

A series of religious celebrations held in ancient Rome every 110 years, meant to promote the well-being of the state and marked by sacrifices, games, and public performances.

Horace:

A prominent Roman poet during the Augustan period, known for his lyric poetry and satires, who composed the carmen saeculare as part of the cultural revival under Augustus.

Augustan Peace: The period of peace and stability established by Emperor Augustus after years of civil war, allowing for cultural flourishing in art, literature, and architecture.