Lucretius’ Herculean Warlords

The comparison between Epicurus and Hercules at Lucr. 5.22–54 can be read as a polemical critique of the Roman warlords of the 80s, 70s and 60s b.c. , who associated themselves with the mythical hero in their propaganda. This case study could form part of a broader web of historical references in the De rerum natura . By presenting material that a Roman audience of the time could associate with their contemporary world, Lucretius conveys a pacifist message in contrast to Roman politics of the time, aligning with the Epicurean preference for withdrawal from public affairs.