Dante Alighieri, known simply as Dante, was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher from Florence during the Late Middle Ages. Born in 1265 in Florence, he is best known for his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy, which is widely considered one of the greatest works of world literature. His contributions to the development of the Italian language, literature, and culture are profound.
Dante was born into a family with some political involvement in Florence. His early life was marked by the death of his mother, Bella degli Abati, and his marriage to Gemma di Manetto Donati, which was arranged when he was about 12 years old. He was deeply influenced by the Dolce Stil Novo, a literary movement that emphasized the beauty of love and the nobility of the beloved.
Politically, Dante was initially involved with the Guelphs, a faction that supported the Papacy against the Holy Roman Empire. However, internal conflicts led to the Guelphs splitting into the Black Guelphs and White Guelphs. Dante sided with the Whites, which led to his exile from Florence in 1302 when the Blacks took control. His exile deeply affected his life and work, as he never returned to Florence.
Dante wrote several notable works:
Dante's work has had a lasting impact:
Dante died in 1321 in Ravenna, where he had lived under the protection of Guido Novello da Polenta. His tomb remains in Ravenna.