Gaius Maecenas

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Gaius Cilnius Maecenas
Imaginary portrait engraving (18th century)
Born	13 April 68 BC
Died	8 BC (age 59-60)
Nationality	Roman
Years active	40–8 BC
Known for	friend and political advisor to Octavian, patron of the arts, Gardens of Maecenas
Spouse	Terentia

Gaius Cilnius Maecenas ([ˈɡäːiʊs̠ ˈkɪɫ̪niʊs̠ mäe̯ˈkeːnäːs̠] 13 April 68 BC^[1] – 8 BC) was a friend and political advisor to Octavian (who later reigned as emperor Augustus). He was also an important patron for the new generation of Augustan poets, including both Horace and Virgil. In many languages, his name is an eponym for "patron of arts".

During the reign of Augustus, Maecenas served as a quasi-culture minister to the Roman emperor but in spite of his wealth and power he chose not to enter the Senate, remaining of equestrian rank.