1. The Aeneid
Miss Johnson

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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