Quintus Ennius was born in Rudiae, in southern Italy (then part of the Roman Republic), in 239 BC. He served in the Roman army and later moved to Rome, where he became friends with prominent figures such as Cato the Censor. Ennius is celebrated for being the first poet to write a comprehensive epic history of Rome in Latin, titled 'Annales'. Although only fragments of his work have survived, these fragments demonstrate his metrical innovation and his grand style, which established him as a model for later poets like Virgil. In addition to his epic work, Ennius also wrote tragedies, satires, and didactic poems. His influence on the formation of the Latin language and literature is immeasurable, being considered the 'father of Latin poetry'. Quintus Ennius died in Rome, around 169 BC.