Pindar

Of the Greek lyric poets, Pindar (ca. 518-438 BCE) was considered "by far the greatest for the magnificence of his inspiration" according to Quintilian, while Horace judged him as "sure to win Apollo’s laurels." The esteem of the ancients may help explain why a good portion of his work was carefully preserved. Most of the Greek lyric poets come down...

Of the Greek lyric poets, Pindar (ca. 518-438 BCE) was "by far the greatest for the magnificence of his inspiration" in Quintilian's view; Horace judged him "sure to win Apollo's laurels." The esteem of the ancients may help explain why a good portion of his work was carefully preserved. Most of the Greek lyric poets come down to us only...