Virgil, The Aeneid

Quick Summary

Virgil published the epic poem the Aeneid during Augustus's reign. (Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, after Julius Caesar's death in 44 BCE.) The Aeneid follows the Trojan hero Aeneas's journey from Troy to Italy. Aeneas is the son of Anchises and the goddess Venus, and escapes the destruction of Troy with his father and son (Ascanius), eventually establishing a family line in Italy that will include both Julius Caesar and Augustus.

The Aeneid can be described as pro-Augustus propaganda because it establishes a fake mythological lineage for Augustus, thus justifying his role as emperor.

Historical events that influenced the text:

• • • Punic Wars (264-146 BCE). The Roman Republic fought for dominance against Carthage (in modern day Tunisia), eventually destroying the city. Dido, a major character in Aeneas's journey is the queen of Carthage.

    • Cleopatra (70/69 - 30 BCE). Cleopatra became involved in several Roman civil wars in the late Republic period, aiding both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Many Roman senators saw Cleopatra as a threat to the Republic.