Humanities I
Overview of The Aeneid
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Author: Virgil
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A paramount poet of the Roman Empire
Known by many as the BEST poet of his time
Born: 70 BC
Lived during the height of the Roman Empire, under
the reign of Augustus
 He witnessed much turmoil that was taking place in
Rome, and this greatly affected the way he viewed
the world, his life, and ultimately, it affected his
writings.
 His name derives from the Latin word, virga, which
means “wand”. This reflects the belief that many of
that time held—a poet is a great magician, capable
of conjuring dead spirits through his writing.
Reason for Writing The Aeneid
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Augustus pressed Virgil to write the epic in order to illustrate the
glory of Rome due to his leadership.
Although Virgil was proud that Augustus believed he could
accomplish the task, he was never really happy about it.
To Virgil, this task was a duty he had no choice but to perform.
Virgil and Augustus traveled together to Italy, and after
contracting a terrible fever, Virgil died in 19 BC.
Some say that Virgil had requested his executer, Varius, to
destroy the masterpiece, feeling as though it was incomplete
and needed further editing. Although this has not been proved,
many suspect that Augustus refused to allow this, and the epic
was published against Virgil’s wishes.
Virgil spent 11 years working on this manuscript, and although
many consider him to be a highly successful poet, many
modern critics accuse him of borrowing heavily from Homer,
author of The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Summary of The Aeneid
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The Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan
hero, and his journey to Italy following the Trojan
War.
 Remember: In The Iliad, Poseidon rescues Aeneas
from a battle with Achilles, declaring that Aeneas
WILL survive the Trojan War and become a strong
leader.
 There were many accounts of Aeneas that existed
during the time of Virgil’s writing the epic. His
perilous journey was featured in artwork as well as in
other, smaller works of literature. These accounts
were scattered, however, and Virgil is credited with
putting them all together into one, complete work.
 It is important to remember that the accounts in the
epic are based upon Roman Legend.
Summary of The Aeneid
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The Trojans are fleeing from Troy, which has been
destroyed by the Greeks. Aeneas tells many truths about
the loss of King Priam, his wife, amongst others.
They are traveling to Italy, stopping along the way and
meeting many others, including a love interest for Aeneas.
Curses are placed upon the crew, and they are met with
many successes and failures along their journey.
With the constant interference of the gods and
goddesses, Aeneas and his people face many hardships,
and their courage is challenged.
When they finally arrive in Italy, they do so peacefully.
Yet, fate has another plan, and Aeneas is once again
challenged, both mentally and physically, to save the
future of his people.
Key Points to Know
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Genre: Heroic Epic
Type of Work: Epic Poem
 Hence, you will see many of the epic conventions we
have become so familiar with
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Narrator: Virgil for majority of epic; Aeneas will
provide his own insight
Point of View: Virgil – 3rd Person Omniscient;
Aeneas – 1st Person
Tone: honoring Rome, yet sympathetic to the
suffering of the Trojans
Setting (time): aftermath of Trojan War, 1000BC
Setting (place): The Mediterranean, north coast of
Asia Minor, Italy, and Carthage.