Aeneid by Virgil - Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Virgil's Aeneid, useful for exam preparation.

Aeneid

An epic poem written by Virgil describing the journey of Aeneas and the founding of Rome.

Aeneas

The hero of the Aeneid, son of Anchises and Venus, a Trojan who escapes the fall of Troy.

Juno

The queen of the gods, who harbors a grudge against the Trojans and attempts to thwart Aeneas.

Dido

The queen of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas but is abandoned by him.

Latinus

The king of the Latins who welcomes Aeneas to Italy and offers his daughter Lavinia in marriage.

Turnus

A local prince and primary antagonist who opposes Aeneas's claim to Lavinia.

Augustus

The first Roman emperor, often portrayed as a model for Aeneas in the Aeneid.

Fates

The three goddesses who control the destiny of humans, often referenced in the poem.

Carthage

The city founded by Dido, perceived as a rival to Rome.

Prophesy

Divine foretelling received by Aeneas, guiding his journey to found Rome.

Penates

Household gods of the Trojans, carried by Aeneas during his escape from Troy.

Aeolus

The god of winds who is persuaded by Juno to unleash a storm on Aeneas's fleet.

The Trojan War

The conflict from which Aeneas escapes, leading to his journey to Italy.

Homeric Epics

Earlier epic poems, including the Iliad and Odyssey, which influence the Aeneid.

Roman destiny

The theme in the Aeneid highlighting the destined rise of Rome.

Augustan literature

Literature produced during the reign of Augustus that reflects his ideals and political agenda.

Exile

The state of Aeneas as he is forced to leave Troy due to fate.