Quintus Ennius was a writer and poet who lived during the Roman Republic, often considered the father of Roman poetry. Born in Rudiae, a town in Magna Graecia, he was of Messapian, Oscan, and Greek heritage, which allowed him to claim he had 'three hearts.' His most famous work was the Annales, an epic poem in eighteen books that told the story of Rome from its legendary origins to his own time. Although only fragments of his works survive, his influence on subsequent Roman literature, including on figures like Virgil and Ovid, was profound and enduring.