Aeneid Lecture 1 - Epic and Augustus: Poetry and Politics

Background: 1st Century BCE

  • Civil Wars and the Rise of Individuals: This period was marked by significant political instability and the ascent of powerful individuals.
  • First Triumvirate (60 BCE): An alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
  • Civil War (49-45 BCE):
    • Pompey's murder in 48 BCE is reminiscent of Priam's death in Aeneid 2.558.
  • Caesar's Dictatorship and Assassination: Caesar became dictator but was murdered in 44 BCE.
  • Second Triumvirate:
    • Alliance between Octavian (later Augustus) and Marcus Antonius.
    • Antony's marriage to Octavia (Octavian's sister).
    • Conflict between Antony and Octavian, particularly involving Antony's relationship with Cleopatra.
    • Battle of Actium (31 BCE): Octavian's victory over Antony and Cleopatra.
  • Augustus: Became the first Roman Emperor, establishing the Principate.

Key Figures

  • Publius Vergilius Maro (Virgil):
    • Born in Mantua, 39 BCE.
    • Eclogues (Bucolics/Pastoral): Written in 29 BCE.
    • Georgics (Didactic): Written in 19 BCE.
    • Aeneid (Epic): Virgil's epic poem. Focuses on the journey of Aeneas and the founding of Rome. Includes character Ascanius/Iulus, who is linked to the Iulius/Julius line.
  • Neoterics vs. Epic: Influence of poets like Callimachus and Catullus.

Virgil and Augustan Ideology

  • Virgil's Stance: Questions whether Virgil was pro- or anti-Augustan in his works.
  • Augustus' Res Gestae Divi Augusti:
    • Section 13 references the closing of the Janus Quirinus temple as a symbol of peace secured through victory.
    • The temple was closed three times during Augustus' principate, symbolizing peace.
    • Before Augustus it had only been closed twice in recorded memory from the founding of the city.
  • Commentaries on Virgil:
    • Servius and Donatus (4th century) provided important commentaries on Virgil's works.
  • Ovid's Tristia 2.533-36: References to furor (rage/passion)

Critical Interpretations of the Aeneid

  • Ralph Johnson: Darkness Visible. A Study of Virgil's Aeneid
  • 'Harvard School':
    • Adam Parry (1962): 'The Two Voices of the Aeneid.'
    • Michael Putnam (1966): The Poetry of the Aeneid.
    • Focuses on the ambivalence and complexities within the text.
  • Aeneid 12.950-1: Quotation: hoc dicens ferrum aduerso sub pectore condit /feruidus. This translates to: "Saying this, he buries the iron full in the breast of the opponent/seething."
  • R.O.A.M. Lyne: Further Voices in the Aeneid.
  • A.J. Boyle: Roman Epic.
  • David Quint: Epic and Empire.
  • Christine Perkell: Reading Vergil’s Aeneid: an Interpretive Guide.
  • D.F. Kennedy: Discussion of "Augustan" and "anti-Augustan" interpretations.
  • Peter Davis: