The Aeneid The Roman Epic

Virgil– The Roman Homer Regarded by the Romans as their greatest poet Began The Aeneid in 29 BCE Worked on it till his death 10 years later Unfinished—Requested that it be burned Published by Emperor Augustus despite Virgil’s wishes (Homer’s works were composed approx. 600 years earlier)

Virgil v. Homer: Similarities: Differences: Both begin “in media res” (in the middle of things) Both invoke help in telling the story Both include “Homeric” similes and epithets Differences: Homer’s epic was an oral one, created for illiterate people Virgil wrote his epic Could pay attention to his choice of words and structure

The Virgilian Hero (Aeneas) Pawn of the gods, like Greeks Fights for country Aware of destiny, fate Fate revealed through visits from deceased relatives (shades) Usually has one or more divine beings on his side and against him (Venus, Apollo, Neptune)

Aeneas– Trojan Hero Romans used a Trojan hero, an enemy of the Greeks, as the creator of their civilization. Son of a deity and a mortal (Anchises and Venus) Ancestor of Romulus and Augustus Caesar This version of Roman history emphasized the idea that the gods had always meant for Romans to rule the world.  Aeneas conquers Latium (capital city of the Roman Empire) Prophesies the rise of the Empire’s power generations later

The Odyssey of Aeneas Aeneas’ journey parallels that of Odysseus’ Each begins at the end of the Trojan War Both have to overcome obstacles placed in their paths by deities Find female companionship along the way Both travel to the Underworld in search of guidance However, Aeneas has no home, unlike Odysseus

Roman Values: Pietas vs. Furor Virgil separates these two traits into two characters to illustrate the conflict between them and how they both exist within any human. *Not mutually exclusive furor: to be ruled by passions and selfishness following excitement and emotion; the precedence of the individual over the group pietas: dutifulness, doing what was right for the family, the community, the civilization, and the gods.

Aeneas Flees Burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598

Federico BAROCCI (1528-1612) 'Aeneas Carrying His Father from Burning Troy' 

Spada Lionello - Aeneas & Anchises

Aeneas and his Companions Fighting the Harpies PERRIER, François b. ca

Mercury commanding Aeneas to leave Carthage, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1757

Henry Fuseli. Dido, 1781