THE AENEID FLASHCARDS

Aeneas

A Trojan hero who escapes the fall of Troy and leads his people to Italy. He represents the Roman ideal of pietas.

Vergil

The Roman poet who wrote The Aeneid during the reign of Augustus. His epic connects Roman history to Greek myth.

aition

A myth that explains the origin of a custom, place, or tradition. The Aeneid acts as an aition for Rome.

telos

A Greek word meaning an ultimate purpose or goal. Aeneas's telos is to fulfill his destiny in Italy.

Maecenas

A wealthy Roman patron of the arts and supporter of Augustus. He helped poets like Vergil promote Roman values.

Alba Longa

A city founded by Aeneas's descendants. It later becomes connected to the founding of Rome.

Lavinium

The city founded by Aeneas after marrying Lavinia. It is the first Trojan settlement in Italy.

Etruscans

An ancient people of northern Italy. They ally with Aeneas against Turnus.

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and dictator who claimed descent from Aeneas. His death ended the Roman Republic.

Pompey

A Roman general and political rival of Julius Caesar. His defeat helped Caesar gain power.

Marc Antony

A Roman general and ally of Caesar. He was defeated by Augustus after allying with Cleopatra.

Augustus

Rome's first emperor and adopted son of Julius Caesar. The Aeneid supports his rule.

plebeians

The common people of ancient Rome. They had fewer rights than patricians.

Latium

The region of Italy where Aeneas settles. It becomes the heart of Roman civilization.

Campania

A fertile region in southern Italy. It was important for farming and trade.

Cumae

An ancient Greek colony in Italy. It is home to the Sibyl.

clementia

Mercy or compassion shown by a ruler. Augustus promoted this virtue.

imperium

The power to command and rule. It represents Roman authority.

pietas

Duty to gods, family, and country. Aeneas embodies this virtue.

fasces

Bundles of rods with an axe symbolizing authority. They represent Roman power.

Livius Andronicus

An early Roman poet who translated Greek works into Latin. He helped introduce Greek literature to Rome.

Ennius

An early Roman epic poet and father of Roman poetry. He influenced Vergil.

numina

Divine powers or spirits present in nature. Romans believed they affected human life.

Penates

Household gods who protect the family. Aeneas brings them from Troy.

genius

A guardian spirit that protects a person or place. Every Roman man had one.

Nisus

A Trojan warrior loyal to Euryalus. He dies trying to save his friend.

Euryalus

A young Trojan warrior and friend of Nisus. His death is deeply tragic.

Juno

Queen of the gods and enemy of Aeneas. She hates the Trojans.

Anchises

Aeneas's father whom he rescues from Troy. He later guides him from the Underworld.

Venus

Goddess of love and Aeneas's mother. She protects his destiny.

Dido

Queen of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas. She kills herself when he leaves.

Sibyl

A prophetess at Cumae. She guides Aeneas to the Underworld.

Turnus

Leader of the Rutulians and enemy of Aeneas. He opposes fate.

Evander

An Arcadian king who helps Aeneas. He lives on the future site of Rome.

Allecto

A Fury sent by Juno to cause war. She spreads chaos.

Camilla

A warrior maiden allied with Turnus. She is devoted to Diana.

Pallas

Son of Evander and ally of Aeneas. His death fuels Aeneas's rage.

Latinus

King of Latium who supports Aeneas. He wants peace.

Mezentius

A cruel Etruscan tyrant allied with Turnus. He represents impiety.

Lausus

Son of Mezentius. He dies protecting his father.

Punic Wars

Conflicts between Rome and Carthage. Dido's curse foreshadows them.

Vulcan

God of fire and metalworking. He makes Aeneas's shield.

Ascanius

Aeneas's son also called Iulus. He is ancestor of Julius Caesar.