Talk:Gaius Maecenas

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[edit] Comments

In later years their relationship grew colder, probably in part because Augustus had an affair with his wife Terentia.

I found this in the generally very reliable Dutch Woordenboek der Oudheid; sounds like a gossipy remark by somebody like Tacitus which should be referenced. --Brassica 09:15, 2 Jan 2005 (UTC)

(The above comment moved from the article. Paul August ☎ 17:04, Jan 2, 2005 (UTC))

While apparently there was rumor of such an affair, the fact that Maecenas made Augustus his heir, makes it seem unlikely that their relationship became significantly less warm. Britannica says:

The domestic life of Maecenas was unhappy. Terentia tired of him and is said to have become Augustus' mistress. Maecenas died childless and left all his wealth, including his palace and gardens on the Esquiline Hill (the eastern plateau of Rome), to Augustus, with whom he had never ceased to be on friendly terms.

Paul August ☎ 17:14, Jan 2, 2005 (UTC)

I have read that many think Maecenas may have been a involved with an actor at the time, so he didn't mind Augustus having Terentia as his mistress. I read this in "Augustus: Godfather of Europe" and I'm trying to find a few historical sources to back this up. There must be one otherwise it wouldn't be there. --80.193.19.191 14:43, 8 April 2006 (UTC)

Not only historcial but logically I think Maecenas may not have cared. Maecenas was likely to have been homosexual, so he and Terentia had little of a relationship, sexual or emotional. The fact that Terentia was Augustus' mistress wouldn't have bothered him because he had little interest in her. I believe that their relationship must have been on good terms for him to leave everything in his will to Augustus. --Sophie-Lou 11:39, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

Slightly off topic; since homosexuality was a common practice amoung the Romans, I'm sure Maecenas was gay. But I was wondering if Horace (Quintus Horace Flaccus) could be on of his "lovers." He mentions him in his will, and was very generous to Horace. Maybe these gifts were given as a sign of his love for Horace?--xsarahberries 23:01, 3 August 2006 (UTC)

He was a confidante?--Nalco 19:09, 15 March 2007 (UTC)