Vergil
A Roman poet known for writing the Aeneid, an epic that celebrates the founding of Rome.
Aeneid
An epic poem by Vergil that tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero destined to found Rome.
Aeneas
A Trojan hero and the central character of the Aeneid who represents duty and fate.
Augustus Caesar
The first Roman emperor, celebrated in the Aeneid as a symbol of peace and prosperity.
Pietas
A Roman virtue signifying duty to gods, country, and family, a central theme in the Aeneid.
Fatum
Roman concept of fate, an inevitable predetermined course of events.
Bellum
The Latin word for war, which is a significant theme throughout the Aeneid.
Katabasis
A descent to the underworld, a major event that occurs in Book 6 of the Aeneid.
Sibyl of Cumae
A priestess who guides Aeneas in his journey to the Underworld.
Golden Bough
A sacred token that Aeneas must obtain to enter the Underworld.
Anchises
Aeneas’s deceased father, whom he seeks counsel from in the Underworld.
Palinurus
Aeneas's comrade who dies and appears as a shade in the Underworld.
Dido
The queen of Carthage and Aeneas's former lover, whom he encounters in the Underworld.
Roman moral philosophy
The ethical framework in Roman culture that emphasizes justice and duty.
Blessed Groves
The area in the Underworld where virtuous souls reside, visited by Aeneas.
Romulus
A legendary figure in Roman history, shown as one of the future heroes in Anchises's vision.
Vulcan
The god of fire and craftsmanship, who creates Aeneas's shield.
Pallas
The son of Evander who allies with Aeneas and later dies in battle.
Mezentius
The tyrannical Latin leader opposed by Aeneas and his allies.
Ekphrasis
A literary description of a visual work of art, exemplified by the shield of Aeneas.
Actium
The site of Augustus's naval victory, depicted on Aeneas's shield.
Juno
The goddess who opposes Aeneas throughout his journey in the Aeneid.
Jupiter
The king of gods who ultimately reconciles Juno to accept Aeneas’s destiny.
Turnus
The Rutulian prince who serves as Aeneas's chief adversary in the final battle.
Pallas's belt
A symbol that Aeneas sees on Turnus, reminding him of his fallen ally.
Heroism
A central theme in the Aeneid, explored through Aeneas's actions and choices.
Divine will
The influence of the gods over human affairs, a recurring theme in the Aeneid.
Destiny
The predetermined path that characters in the Aeneid are destined to follow.
Sacrifice
The act of giving up something valued for the sake of duty or the common good.
Complexity of leadership
A theme in the Aeneid that addresses the difficulties and moral questions faced by leaders.
Burden of destiny
The heavy responsibility borne by Aeneas and other characters regarding their fated roles.
Mythological struggles
The challenges faced by Aeneas that reflect the larger historical context of Rome.
Emotional core
The inner feelings and motivations driving the characters in the Aeneid.
Political allegory
A literary device used to convey political messages, as seen in the Aeneid's portrayal of Augustus.
Future Roman heroes
Figures like Romulus who are shown to be part of Rome’s glorious destiny in Anchises's vision.
Trojan War
The conflict that led Aeneas to leave Troy and embark on his journey to found Rome.
Roman ideals
Cultural values that emphasize duty, sacrifice, and civic virtue, highlighted in the Aeneid.
Aeneas's mission
The journey and tasks Aeneas must complete to fulfill his destiny as the founder of Rome.
Climactic resolution
The culmination of the Aeneid in Book 12 with the final battle and its implications.
Emotional tension
The conflict between personal feelings and duty experienced by Aeneas in the epic.
Legacy of Rome
The enduring influence and mythology surrounding Rome, as explored in the Aeneid.
Foundational epic
A literary work that establishes the origins and values of a culture or nation, like the Aeneid for Rome.
Literary masterpiece
A work of exceptional quality, reflecting profound themes and artistry, such as