Venantius Fortunatus, writing in the latter half of the sixth century, was not only a major Latin poet, but also an important historical figure. Educated in Ravenna, he travelled to Gaul and wrote substantially in a range of genres for Merovingian patrons, who were among the central political and ecclesiastical figures of his generation. In a period of cultural transition, he adapted and developed literary traditions, and influenced not only his contemporaries, but also succeeding generations. He also played a personal role in events of national and international significance, and his verse...