Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was an Italian poet and politician most famous for his Divine Comedy (c. 1319) where he descends through Hell, climbs Purgatory, and arrives at the illumination of Paradise. Dante meets many historical characters along the way, including his guide, the Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE). It is considered one of the greatest works of medieval literature.
An innovative poet, Dante's work became a bridge between medieval and Renaissance Europe as the focus of art and thought shifted from religious affairs to those of humanity. Active in politics in his home city of Florence, he was eventually exiled for his views against what he saw as the abuse of power and corruption of the popes. Another of Dante's lasting contributions to Italian culture was his promotion of the Tuscan dialect, which ultimately became the standard for the Italian language.
