Persius (34 AD-62 AD), Roman poet. Persius was born in the Etruscan city of Volterra, studying in Rome from the age of twelve following the deaths of his father and step-father. He became a satirical poet in the stoic tradition. His works include tragedies set in Roman history. Persius died prematurely, and his satirical works were published posthumously to great success. His contemporaries and friends included the philospher Lucius Annaeus Cornutus, the poet Caesius Bassus, and the poet Marcus Annaeus Lucanus (Lucan). Persius's full Roman name was Aulus Persius Flaccus. Artwork from 'Histoire des Romains' (1883).