Gaius Licinius Macer Calvus

Gaius Licinius Macer Calvus (28 May 82 BC – c. 46 BC) was an orator and poet of ancient Rome.

Son of Licinius Macer and thus a member of the gens Licinia, he was a friend of the poet Catullus, whose style and subject matter he shared.

Calvus' oratorical style opposed the "Asian" school in favor of a simpler Attic model: he characterized Cicero as "solutum et enervem" (loose and nerveless), while Cicero described him as "exsanguem et aridum" (bloodless and dry). However, there was no enmity between these two, and Cicero praised Calvus highly.

Tacitus mentions twenty-one of his speeches are mentioned by Tacitus, including several speeches against Publius Vatinius. Calvus likely prosecuted Vatinius multiple times, in 58 BC and then later in 54 BC, where he was defended by Cicero. The second trial was also was the subject of Catullus 53. In Catullus 53, Catullus also referred to Calvus as salaputium disertum. The meaning of this has been disputed however, it has been suggested that it referred to Calvus' wit.

Seneca the Elder mentions his short stature, and refers a story in which Calvus asked to be raised to a platform, so that he could defend one of his clients.

Frédéric Plessis published fragments of Calvus in 1896.