Ovid explains how Cupid changed his intended epic into love poetry.

The opening lines of Virgil's Aeneid, Rome's national epic.

Pliny describes the death of his uncle during the Vesuvius eruption.

The famous opening of Caesar's Gallic Wars, introducing the geography of Gaul.

Lucretius explains the principle of conservation of matter.

Horace addresses the crowd before reciting his poetry.

Sallust on the human drive to excel and leave a mark.

The dramatic opening of Cicero's first speech against Catiline.

Tacitus traces the evolution of Roman government from kings to republic.

Catullus invites Lesbia to live and love while ignoring gossip.