amores

Amores is a collection of love poems attributed to the Roman poet Ovid. The work consists of three books containing a total of 257 elegies, though the exact number and authenticity of some poems have been debated by scholars. The poems explore themes of love, desire, infidelity, and the complexities of romantic relationships from a distinctly Roman perspective of the late first century BCE and early first century CE.

The Amores offers a diverse range of emotional and situational scenarios within the realm of love. Ovid employs a conversational and often witty style, frequently addressing his muse and engaging directly with the reader. The poems are characterized by their vivid imagery, sophisticated use of meter, and Ovid's signature playful and sometimes cynical outlook on love and its attendant pains and pleasures.

While ostensibly personal reflections, the Amores also provides insight into the social customs and attitudes towards love and relationships during the Augustan period. The poems are a significant work in the tradition of Roman love elegy, a genre that Ovid profoundly shaped and popularized. His influence can be seen in the works of later poets, and the Amores remains a key text for understanding Roman literature and the enduring themes of human affection.