Dante Alighieri was a renowned Italian poet, philosopher, and political thinker, most famous for his epic masterpiece, "The Divine Comedy". Born in Florence in 1265, he played a crucial role in establishing the Italian language as a serious medium for literary expression at a time when Latin was the dominant language of scholars.
Allegedly a member of the White Guelphs, Dante was passionately involved in the political disputes of his time. His views led to his exile from Florence in 1302—an experience that deeply influenced his writings. This period of exile also saw the creation of his greatest work, "The Divine Comedy", a visionary journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
Dante's profound influence on literature cannot be understated. His imaginative portrayal of the afterlife and pioneering use of the vernacular laid the groundwork for future writers. Today, Dante is commemorated as the "Father of the Italian Language" and is recognized as one of the greatest poets in world literature.