Marko Marulić was a Croatian poet and writer born in 1450 in Split, which was then part of the Republic of Venice. He is often referred to as the "father of Croatian literature" due to his significant contributions to the development of the Croatian language and literature. His most famous work, the epic poem Judita, tells the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes and is considered a cornerstone of Croatian literature. Marulić was also a humanist and a scholar, deeply influenced by the Renaissance. He wrote in both Latin and Croatian, helping to elevate the status of the Croatian language in literary circles. His works reflect themes of morality, faith, and the human experience, making him a pivotal figure in the cultural history of Croatia.