What literary form did Livius Andronicus primarily employ in his translations of Greek epics?

Livius Andronicus primarily employed the Saturnian verse form in his translations of Greek epics, which was characteristic of early Roman poetry. The Saturnian meter, a form of poetry used before the adoption of the Greek poetic structures, is noted for its irregular line length and is often associated with the earliest Roman writers.

This is significant because it highlights how Andronicus played a crucial role in establishing a Roman literary tradition by adapting existing Greek works into a form that resonated more deeply with a Roman audience. The use of Saturnian verse allowed him to convey the themes and narratives of Greek epics while aligning them with the early Roman poetic style.

In contrast, the other options, such as hexameter (which is more aligned with Greek epic poetry), lyric (which focuses on personal expression and emotion), and drama (a genre distinct from epic poetry), do not accurately represent the specific form Livius chose for his translations. Thus, Saturnian is the correct identification of the poetic form he utilized in his adaptations.