Far from Rome, this first-century poet wrote, “the leader’s anger done, grant me the right to die in my native country”

The first-century poet who wrote, “the leader’s anger done, grant me the right to die in my native country,” while far from Rome, was Ovid. Born Publius Ovidius Naso, Ovid was a prominent Roman poet known for his influential works such as “Metamorphoses” and “Ars Amatoria.” His career and life took a dramatic turn when he was exiled by Emperor Augustus to Tomis (present-day Constanța, Romania) on the Black Sea coast, far from Rome, in 8 AD. The reasons for Ovid’s exile remain a topic of speculation, as he himself attributes it to “carmen et error” (a poem and a mistake), hinting at the scandalous nature of his writings and possibly a personal indiscretion. During his exile, Ovid wrote “Tristia” and “Epistulae ex Ponto,” works that express his despair, longing for Rome, and hope for clemency. In these writings, he often appealed to the emperor for mercy and the chance to return to Rome, or at least to a less remote place of exile. Unfortunately, Ovid never returned to Rome; he died in exile in Tomis in 17 AD.

In the Netherlands, the influx of Surinamese migrants had a notable impact on Dutch society, culture, and demographics. The Surinamese community, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic backgrounds, contributed significantly to the multicultural fabric of the Netherlands. However, the integration process was not without its challenges. The Surinamese diaspora faced issues related to assimilation, discrimination, and economic disparity. Over time, efforts from both the Surinamese community and Dutch society at large aimed to address these challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and participation among the Surinamese in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, back in Suriname, the departure of such a large portion of the population had its repercussions, leading to a significant brain drain and impacting the country’s demographic structure and labor market. Despite these challenges, the ties between Suriname and the Netherlands remain strong, with ongoing cultural, social, and economic exchanges that continue to link the two nations.