Latin poetry refers to the body of poetic works written in the Latin language, primarily during the Roman Republic and Empire. It encompasses various forms, including epic, lyric, and elegiac poetry. Notable poets such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid contributed significantly to this literary tradition, exploring themes of love, war, and mythology. The structure of Latin poetry often relies on meter, which is the rhythmic pattern of syllables. Common meters include dactylic hexameter for epics and elegiac couplets for elegies. Latin poetry has influenced many later literary traditions, shaping the development of poetry in European languages.