Antiquity

The Aeneid

Who and why?

The Aeneid is an epic poem written in Latin by Virgil between 29 and 19 BCE. This epic can be seen as political propaganda because Virgil was commissioned by Emperor Augustus. Augustus wanted something that would connect him to the lineage of the founder of Rome, convincing Romans that he was the perfect ruler for them. The epic was unfinished when Virgil died and wished for his work to be destroyed, but Augustus requested it not be destroyed as it had the "history" of Rome in it. The story of the founding of Rome helped Augustus keep a firm grip on his power, it allowed Romans to not question why Augustus is their emperor.

Introduction and backstory to Camilla

Camilla is introduced in The Aeneid in Book VII and is seen in action in Book XI. She is the leader of the Volscians and was received by the goddess Diana; she quickly became a favorite of the goddess. Camilla's father, Metabus, dedicated his daughter to Diana in hope of saving her from enemies. Camilla grew up in devotion to Diana and remained a virgin in the goddess's honor. Camilla became highly skilled in hunting which helped her become the fiercest warrior. She lead Volscian and Latin troops to battle. Her famous and last battle was against Aeneas. She fought alongside other women who were also virgins during this battle.

Camilla, leader of the “army of Volscians” heads to the battlefield (166. 592) to support Turnus’s cause against Aeneas. Not only did Camilla lead her army, but she also fought alongside them. She was given such high praise that Turnus tells her that she is in command of the army. Turnus gave his power to Camilla even though she was a woman. Diana cares so much for Camilla that before battle, Diana tells Opis that if anyone violates her body, they too will have the same fate (168. 702-703). The goddess cared that much for the warrior. Camilla is also called the warrior princess, suggesting that her skills are so grand and worthy of leading the army.

Through the help of Diana, Camilla has the skills to fight like a man and god in battle. Just as any other amazonian warrior, Camilla got rid of one of her breasts to help her in battle. During battle she is also gifted with Diana’s golden bow showing that Diana is on her side. The Trojans were unable to believe that a woman could fight greatly in battle, that when Camilla took down Ornytus another man says, “This is the day all your big talk / Is squelched by a woman’s weapons. / But you can boast of this to your ancestral shades, / That you went down by Camilla’s spear” (171. 819-821). When Camilla begins to be chased by Orsilochus, she is being chased in a wide circle which she begins to make smaller. By using this strategy, Camilla is able to pursue the pursuer and becoming the victor in the chase. The warrior princess continued in battle until she was struck down by a spear of the enemy. Although Diana was on Camilla's side, she was unable to save the warrior.

The death of Camilla was an honorable one. When men die, they hope to die in battle, which is the most glorious death one could have. Camilla died in this way, and her death too has not been forgotten. Before she dies, she tells Acca her last command: “take my place in battle And keep the Trojans from the city. And now, good-bye” (176. 987-989). In her last moments, Camilla is too worried about the city, that her last words are to save the city and win. Diana tells Opis before the death of Camilla, that “May anyone, Italian or Trojan, Who violates her sacred body with a wound Pay me an equal penalty in blood” (168. 701-703). After her death, Camilla’s light cavalry was the first to retreat and others began to follow. Her army was unable to win without her because they needed her power and knowledge to beat the Trojans and to keep what is theirs.

Interpretation

Although Camilla is not mentioned throughout the entire epic, her time in the journey is powerful. Whenever she is mentioned, the term virgin is always surrounding her. Her virginity and devoutness to the goddess Diana is what gives her the power she has. Throughout book XI of the Aenead, her virginity is constantly brought up as her defining characteristic. When she was an infant, she was given to Diana, a virgin goddess, and Diana’s virgin trait followed Camilla throughout her life. Many of the mothers who had sons would pray for her to marry their sons. Camilla never accepted and “was always content With Diana alone, inviolate in her love For her weapons and her chastity” (168. 690-692). Camilla also surrounded herself with other virgins such as Virgin Larina and Tulla, and Tarpeia who were also her handpicked companions. Camilla choosing other virgins as her companions during battle, tell us that she put her trust in those who were like her. When Camilla is stuck by a spear, her blood is described as virgin blood which is sacred. Diana’s sentinel, Opis, talks to the lifeless Camilla, telling her that Diana has not left her dishonored in death and that her doom “will be renowned among the nations. Nor will you be disgraced as one unavenged. Whoever violated your body with a wound Will pay with his life” (177. 1016-1019). If Camilla was not a virgin, she would not have had Diana on her side or have been as powerful as she was. Her death would have been dishonorable. If she was not a virgin, she would not have been remembered and possibly not even exist. Her virginity gives her her power and significance in the founding of Rome. Without her virginity, Camilla would have been nothing.

Photo Interpretation

The painting Accordo tra Camilla e Turno by Francesco de Mura depicts Camilla getting ready for battle. The people surrounding her in the painting are looking at her waiting to be told what to do. Camilla is depicted as calm and collected. She is dressed as a warrior princess which is used to describe her in The Aeneid. Camilla is the only person dressed for battle showing her quick response to defend her people and allies. Her virginity is represented in the gold plating of her armor. The power and skillfulness that Camilla has is due to her chastity. This painting shows Camilla in the height of her glory before her fall.