person
Euhemerus of Messene
Euhemerus
An early Hellenistic writer whose Sacred History argued that the gods were originally great mortals deified after death. Cicero says Ennius translated and followed him, and that he in effect abolished religion by recording the gods' deaths and burials.
Reading notes
- On the Nature of the Gods §1.119 Euhemerus, whom our own Ennius interpreted and followed
Euhemerus of Messene argued that the gods were once mortal kings and benefactors, later worshipped after death; Ennius rendered his Sacred History into Latin. Recording the gods' deaths and tombs, Cotta says, abolishes religion altogether.