Dante AlighieriDante Alighieri (1265-1321) was an Italian poet and philosopher, best known for his epic poem "The Divine Comedy." Born in Florence, Italy, Dante was deeply influenced by the political and social upheavals of his time, including the struggle between he Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, and the factionalism and corruption within the city of Florence itself. "The Divine Comedy" is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of world literature. It is an allegorical journey through the afterlife, consisting of three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. In the poem, Dante is guided by the Roman poet Virgil through Hell and Purgatory, and then by his beloved Beatrice through Heaven. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, both historical and contemporary, and engages in profound theological and philosophical discussions. He is also known for his philosophical works, including "De Monarchia," which argues for a universal monarchy to establish peace and order in the world.  Read More Read Less