The Aeneid Miss Johnson

Emperor Augustus’ Commission The Aeneid Written Text Emperor Augustus’ Commission An epic poem on the origins of Rome Meant to be a national epic of Augustian Rome Wanted a mythical story to be used as propaganda to support his rule

Authorship Publius Virgilius Maro Born in northern Italy 70 – 19 B.C.E. Born in northern Italy Brilliant circle of literary artists Author and poet Lived through the civil war that pitted Julius Caesar against the Roman Senate Looked back to distant origins to take stock of Rome’s historical mission

The Hero, Aeneas and His Family Sacrifices personal objects for a greater objective Prototype of the ideal Roman ruler Creusa, Aeneas’s wife Ascanius, Aeneas’ son Anchises, Aeneas’ father

Other Major Characters Roman Gods Juno Venus Jupiter Neptune Mercury Dido, Queen of Carthage Turnus, Ruler of the Rutulians in Italy Latinus, King of the Latins Lavinia, Latinus’ daughter

Layout of the Book Heavily influenced by Homer Books I – VI modeled on the Odyssey VII – XII on the Iliad Begins with Aeneas, prince of Troy, fleeing the city’s destruction Sails across the sea to find a new home Eventually reaches Italy and settles where Rome will one day rise

Major Aspects Founding myth of Rome Full of “prophecies” of Rome’s destiny for future glory and empire Propaganda for Augustus Tells of the origin of the hatred between Rome and Carthage Love of Dido Aeneas

Epic Poetry … Once More Lengthy narrative poem The hero Serious subject Medias Res: beginning a story by plunging into the middle of the action Latin In Medias Res “in the midst of things” Writing style of lofty elevated Invocation of the muse The hero Is of national or even cosmic importance Embodies the values of the civilization Encounters gods and monsters Shows great valor during heroic deeds or events; superhuman courage Trip to the underworld Often significant to a culture or nation