Iliad by Homer (BCE)

The Iliad is arguably the most important epic poem of Western literature, and is alluded to many times by Ovid throughout The Art of Love. It has come to define many Western literary ideas about love and warfare.

Metamorphoses by Ovid (8CE)

Metamorphoses is considered Ovid’s masterpiece, and the source for much contemporary understanding of Greek and Roman mythology. It provides mythological context for The Art of Love.

Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare (1593)

This poetic epic by William Shakespeare includes ideas about love and the actions of gods. Shakespeare’s poem develops a story featured in Metamorphoses, showing the abiding cultural power of Ovid into the English Renaissance.