The Eclogues

The Eclogues by Virgil is a collection of ten pastoral poems that blend rustic life with mythological and political themes. Composed around 37 BCE, the Eclogues idealize rural simplicity while also reflecting contemporary Roman concerns. The poems feature shepherds, gods, and allegories, revealing Virgil’s skill in merging lyrical beauty with philosophical depth. The Eclogues set the standard for pastoral poetry in Western literature and influenced writers from Dante to Spenser.