Final answer:
Ovid's Metamorphoses was a key source for Greek mythology in the 12th to 15th centuries, with Greek literature such as the Homeric epics heavily influencing Roman works and the cultural identity of ancient Greece.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ovid's Metamorphoses was the primary source of Greek mythology from the 12th to 15th centuries.
Roman literature began as an emulation of the Greek epic narratives, with the earliest Roman works being historical epics that mirrored the style of Greek authors such as Homer. During the Homeric Age, the Homeric epics The Iliad and The Odyssey, which were instrumental in shaping Greek culture, were recorded in writing for the first time using the Greek alphabet. These tales were mythopoetic, weaving together myths with poetry to express truths transcending reason. They played a foundational role in Greek education and served as moral exemplars, supporting the pursuit of virtue (arête) and providing a sense of history and identity for the Greek people.