The Aeneid
Overview Book I Book II Book III Book IV Book V Book VI Book VII
Book VIII Book IX Book X Book XI Book XII
Step into the compelling world of Virgil’s Aeneid, a monumental Latin epic composed between 29 and 19 BC, which unfolds the legendary saga of Aeneas, a Trojan hero destined to shape the destiny of Rome. This timeless work comprises 9,896 lines of dactylic hexameter, meticulously woven into a narrative that spans the hero’s arduous journey from the ruins of Troy to the destined shores of Italy.
Explore his wanderings on this Digital Map.
The Aeneid unfolds in two distinct halves across its twelve books. The initial six books narrate Aeneas’ wanderings, capturing the trials and tribulations faced by the Trojan hero as he navigates through the Mediterranean landscape towards Italy. The latter half immerses readers in the fierce and ultimately triumphant war between the Trojans and the Latins, foretelling the inevitable assimilation of Aeneas and his followers into the Roman lineage.
Virgil, drawing inspiration from the earlier Greek epic tradition and the character of Aeneas found in Homer’s Iliad, masterfully unites disconnected tales and fragments of legend, shaping them into a compelling founding myth for Rome. Through the Aeneid, Virgil not only elucidates the origins of Rome but also seeks to provide a nuanced explanation for historical events, such as the Punic Wars, while glorifying traditional Roman virtues.
The hero Aeneas, with his unyielding devotion to the concept of pietas (dutiful respect and loyalty to family, gods, and country), emerges as a multifaceted character, echoing the complexities of human experience. Virgil’s invocation of the Muse sets the stage for a narrative rich in symbolism and thematic depth, delving into the reasons behind the principal conflict: the deep-seated resentment harbored by the goddess Juno against the Trojan people.
Widely hailed as Virgil’s masterpiece, the Aeneid transcends its literary significance. It stands as a cornerstone of Latin literature, an ambitious endeavor that mirrors the wanderings of the Odyssey and the warfare themes of the Iliad, showcasing Virgil’s aspiration to rival the Homeric epics.
Join us on a digital exploration of the Aeneid, where the power of Virgil’s verses and the enduring themes of the ancient world invite you to rediscover the epic that not only shaped the literary landscape but also left an indelible mark on the cultural identity of Rome.
Below a synopsis of each book will be given:
Journey to Italy (Books I-VI)
Book I: The Storm & Refuge at Carthage
War in Italy (Books VII – XII)
Book VIII: Pallanteum & the Future Site of Rome
Book IX: The Trojans under Siege
Book XI: Truce & Death of Camilla
Book XII: Final Battle & The Death of Turnus
