Origins & Early Life

Olavo Brás Martins dos Guimarães Bilac (16 December 1865 – 28 December 1918), known simply as Olavo Bilac (Portuguese pronunciation: [oˈlavu biˈlak(i)]), was a Brazilian Parnassian poet, journalist and translator. Alongside Alberto de Oliveira and Raimundo Correia, he was a member of the "Parnassian Triad". He was elected the "Prince of Brazilian Poets" in 1907 by the magazine Fon-Fon. He wrote the lyrics of the Brazilian Flag Anthem.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He founded and occupied the 15th chair of the Brazilian Academy of Letters from 1897 until his death in 1918. He is also the patron of the military service in Brazil due to his campaigns in favor of conscription. Bilac was born in Rio de Janeiro to Brás Martins dos Guimarães Bilac and Delfina Belmira Gomes de Paula. As a young man, he was a brilliant student, enrolling in the school of medicine at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro at the age of 15. He began studying medicine, but did not finish the course.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He also tried to study law at the Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de São Paulo but did not finish that course either. Instead, he found pleasure in writing and in journalism. His first work was the sonnet "Sesta de Nero" ("Nero...

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• 1865 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1865
• December 16 (12-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 16
• 1918 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1918
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