Which work is considered the earliest extant Latin literature?

Study for the Advanced Certamen Literature Exam with engaging multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly to excel!

The earliest extant Latin literature is indeed "Odussia," which is often associated with the works of Livius Andronicus, a playwright and poet who lived during the 3rd century BCE. This work is significant as it marks the beginning of Latin literature, being a translation of Homer's "Odyssey" into Latin. Livius Andronicus is credited with establishing the foundations of a literary tradition in Rome by using the Latin language in a manner that was not previously seen, thus paving the way for later authors.

The other options, while notable works in their own right, are not considered the earliest Latin literature. "The Aeneid," composed by Virgil in the 1st century BCE, is a later and more complex epic that builds upon the earlier tradition. "The Golden Ass," also known as "Metamorphoses," was written by Apuleius in the 2nd century CE and is a substantial work of prose fiction that again comes much later than the origins of Latin literature. Finally, the "Satyricon," attributed to Petronius, is a satirical work from the 1st century CE that reflects a more developed stage of Latin literary culture.

Thus, recognizing "Odussia

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