Dante Alighieri was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. He is best known for his epic poem "The Divine Comedy," which is considered one of the greatest works of world literature. The poem is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, and it follows the author's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Dante's work had a significant impact on Italian literature and language, and he is often referred to as the "Father of the Italian language." His writing also had a profound influence on Western culture and has been widely studied and celebrated for its exploration of theology, philosophy, and human nature.