12.3 Roman values and national identity in the Aeneid
5 min read•august 1, 2024
The Aeneid, 's epic masterpiece, is a cornerstone of Roman identity. It follows , a Trojan hero, on his journey to found Rome. The story blends myth and history, connecting Rome's origins to the legendary .
Through Aeneas, Virgil showcases Roman values like duty, leadership, and perseverance. The epic portrays Rome's destined greatness, reinforced by divine prophecies and interventions. It's a powerful tool for shaping Roman cultural memory and national pride.
The Aeneid as National Epic
Origin and Purpose of the Aeneid
Top images from around the web for Origin and Purpose of the Aeneid
File:Virgil Reading the Aeneid.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Virgil wrote the Aeneid in the 1st century BCE as the national epic of ancient Rome
Emperor Augustus commissioned the work to glorify Roman history and values
The epic narrative follows Aeneas, a Trojan hero and mythical ancestor of the Romans
Aeneas journeys to found a new homeland in Italy
This links Rome's origins to the legendary past (Trojan War)
The epic's structure and style deliberately echo 's Iliad and Odyssey
Positions Rome as the cultural and political heir to Greek civilization
First six books parallel the Odyssey (wanderings)
Last six books parallel the Iliad (warfare)
Roman Values and Ideals
exemplified through Aeneas's actions and choices throughout the epic
Core Roman virtue emphasizing duty to gods, country, and family
Seen in Aeneas carrying his father from Troy
Demonstrated when Aeneas leaves to fulfill his destiny
The work portrays Roman ideals of leadership
Self-sacrifice for the greater good
Stoicism in the face of adversity
Prioritizing collective needs over personal desires
Virgil uses Aeneas to embody the ideal Roman citizen
Demonstrates courage (in battles against Turnus)
Shows loyalty (to his people and mission)
Exhibits perseverance (throughout his journey)
Rome's Destined Greatness
Virgil incorporates prophecies and visions of Rome's future greatness
Book VI features extensive prophecies in the underworld
Anchises reveals Rome's future leaders and achievements to Aeneas
The epic reinforces the idea of Rome's destined supremacy
Jupiter's prophecy in Book I outlines Rome's fated rule
The shield of Aeneas in Book VIII depicts future Roman triumphs
Divine Sanction for Rome's Empire
Divine Intervention and Conflict
Gods actively intervene in human affairs throughout the Aeneid
Jupiter decrees as part of a divine plan
Venus, Aeneas's divine mother, consistently supports the Trojan/Roman cause
Rescues Aeneas from Diomedes in battle
Pleads with Jupiter to ensure Aeneas's success
Juno opposes the Trojan/Roman cause
Attempts to destroy the Trojan fleet
Incites war between Trojans and Latins
Divine intervention occurs at crucial narrative moments
Mercury reminds Aeneas of his mission, prompting him to leave Carthage
Venus provides divine armor for Aeneas before his final battle
Prophecies and Fate
Prophecies and oracles reinforce Rome's preordained greatness
Cumaean Sibyl guides Aeneas through the underworld
Helenus provides prophecies about Aeneas's journey in Book III
The concept of (fate) is central to the epic
Presents Rome's rise to power as inevitable and divinely sanctioned
Aeneas frequently refers to his actions as fated or destined
Symbols of Divine Favor
Virgil depicts the transfer of sacred objects from Troy to Rome
Penates (household gods) symbolize continuity of divine favor
The transfer legitimizes Rome as Troy's successor
The shield of Aeneas, forged by Vulcan, depicts future events in Roman history
Presents Roman achievements as part of a grand, divinely ordained plan
Includes scenes from Rome's founding to Augustus's reign
Heroism vs Duty in the Aeneid
Personal Desires vs Collective Responsibility
Aeneas's personal desires conflict with his duty to found Rome
Love for Dido vs obligation to leave Carthage
Desire for peace vs necessity to wage war in Italy
The epic presents examples of heroic self-sacrifice for the greater good
Aeneas leaving Dido to fulfill his destiny
Nisus and Euryalus's fatal night raid to help the Trojan cause
Virgil explores the psychological toll of suppressing individual desires
Aeneas's internal struggles depicted throughout the epic
Emotional turmoil when leaving Troy, Carthage, and confronting Dido in the underworld
Contrasting Heroic Ideals
Turnus represents individual heroism in contrast to Aeneas's collective duty
Motivated by personal glory and desire for Lavinia
Engages in single combat, emphasizing individual prowess
The epic presents a transition in heroic ideals
Greek model: individual glory and excellence (aristeia)
Roman model: duty and sacrifice for the state (pietas)
Secondary characters highlight personal costs of Rome's destined greatness
Dido's tragic fate after Aeneas's departure
Turnus's defeat and death to secure Roman future
Furor vs Pietas
Concept of furor (rage or passion) portrayed as a destructive force
Must be controlled for the sake of the greater mission
Seen in Dido's furious reaction to Aeneas's departure
Juno's wrath against the Trojans drives much of the conflict
Pietas (duty) presented as the antithesis and remedy to furor
Aeneas struggles to maintain pietas in face of personal desires
Ultimate victory of pietas over furor symbolizes Rome's destined rule
Roman Cultural Memory in the Aeneid
Mythological Integration and Adaptation
Virgil integrates existing Roman myths and legends into a cohesive narrative
Creates a foundational text for Roman cultural identity
Incorporates figures like Romulus, Remus, and early Roman kings
The epic connects Rome to the Trojan War
Elevates Rome's status in the Mediterranean world
Establishes a heroic lineage for the Roman people
Virgil's portrayal shapes perception of historical and mythological figures
Dido of Carthage transformed into a tragic heroine
Aeneas elevated from minor Homeric character to founding hero
Political and Cultural Legitimacy
The Aeneid reinforces the Julian family's claim to divine ancestry
Traces lineage through Aeneas to Venus
Supports Augustus's political legitimacy as descendant of Aeneas
The work incorporates elements of earlier Roman literature
Draws on Ennius's Annales, a previous Roman epic
Creates a new standard for Roman epic poetry
Roman Virtues and Afterlife
Virgil's depiction of the underworld draws on and modifies existing concepts
Combines Greek and Roman ideas of the afterlife
Introduces distinctly Roman elements (future Roman heroes)
The epic's treatment codifies Roman virtues in cultural consciousness
Pietas (duty) exemplified by Aeneas
Gravitas (seriousness) shown in Roman leaders
(courage) displayed in battle scenes
Key Terms to Review (17)
Aeneas: Aeneas is a legendary hero from ancient mythology, known primarily as a central figure in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. He is depicted as a Trojan prince and warrior who escapes the fall of Troy, embarking on a journey to fulfill his destiny of founding Rome, thus linking him to both the mythological past of the Trojans and the historical origins of Rome.
Augustan Age: The Augustan Age refers to the period of Roman history during the reign of Emperor Augustus, roughly from 27 BCE to 14 CE. This era is characterized by significant political stability, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of a unified Roman identity, which is evident in literature, art, and public works. It was a time when Roman values were reinforced, and national identity was shaped through various artistic expressions, including epic poetry like the 'Aeneid' by Virgil.
Dido: Dido is the legendary queen of Carthage who plays a pivotal role in Virgil's 'Aeneid.' She represents themes of love, loss, and the conflict between personal desire and duty, particularly in the context of Aeneas's mission to establish a new homeland for the Trojans. Dido’s tragic relationship with Aeneas highlights important Roman values regarding duty to one's country and the sacrifices required for national identity.
Epic simile: An epic simile is an extended comparison between two different things using 'like' or 'as,' typically used in epic poetry to create vivid imagery and enhance the narrative. This literary device adds depth and richness to the storytelling, allowing readers to visualize scenes in a more profound way, and it often connects to larger themes within the narrative.
Fatum: Fatum refers to the concept of fate or destiny in ancient Roman culture, often perceived as a predetermined course of events that could not be altered. This notion reflects a belief in the power of the divine and the inevitability of certain outcomes, linking individual actions to a larger cosmic plan. In literature, particularly in epic poetry, fatum underscores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and national identity, revealing how personal destinies intertwine with collective histories.
Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit: Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit is a Latin phrase from the Aeneid, meaning 'perhaps someday we will look back on these things with joy.' This phrase encapsulates themes of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting the Roman ideals of endurance and the belief in a brighter future despite current struggles.
Founding myths: Founding myths are traditional stories that explain the origins and establishment of a culture or nation, often serving to convey values, ideals, and a sense of identity. These myths typically embody the aspirations and moral lessons of a society, helping to foster unity and pride among its members while also justifying social structures and political authority.
Homer: Homer is the ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of two of the greatest epic poems, the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey'. His works not only set the stage for the literary tradition of epic poetry but also provide crucial insight into the cultural and mythological framework surrounding events like the Trojan War and the values upheld in heroic narratives.
In medias res: In medias res is a Latin term meaning 'in the midst of things.' It refers to a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action, rather than starting from the beginning. This method creates an immediate sense of urgency and intrigue, engaging the audience right from the start and often leading to flashbacks or exposition to fill in the backstory.
Laurel wreath: A laurel wreath is a circular crown made from the leaves and branches of the bay laurel tree, traditionally associated with victory and honor. In ancient Rome, it symbolized triumph and was often awarded to victors in athletic competitions and military commanders celebrating their successes. The laurel wreath embodies key Roman values such as achievement, excellence, and national pride, reflecting the Roman identity celebrated in various literary works.
Mos maiorum: Mos maiorum refers to the traditional customs and values of ancient Rome that guided social behavior and moral conduct. This unwritten code was based on the practices of the ancestors and emphasized virtues like duty, loyalty, and respect for the family and state, deeply influencing Roman identity and governance throughout its history.
Pietas: Pietas is a Latin term that embodies the sense of duty, loyalty, and devotion to one's family, country, and the gods. This concept is central to Roman values and identity, reflecting the responsibilities individuals have towards their community and the divine. It plays a crucial role in literature, particularly in works like the Aeneid, where characters exemplify this virtue through their actions and decisions.
Rome's Destiny: Rome's Destiny refers to the idea that the city of Rome and its people were fated to achieve greatness and dominate the Mediterranean world. This concept is deeply tied to Roman values, national identity, and the belief in a divine mission that legitimizes their power and expansion, as depicted in epic literature like the Aeneid.
Trojan Banner: The Trojan Banner refers to the iconic flag or standard of the Trojans, notably represented in Virgil's 'Aeneid.' This banner symbolizes the Trojan people's identity, their heritage, and their struggle against adversity as they seek to establish a new homeland in Italy. It is an emblem of hope and resilience, representing their enduring spirit and the unity of the Trojans in their quest for survival and glory.
Trojan War: The Trojan War was a legendary conflict between the city of Troy and the Greek states, traditionally dated to the late Bronze Age. This war, sparked by the abduction of Helen by Paris of Troy, serves as a backdrop for many ancient Greek literary works and symbolizes themes of heroism, honor, and the consequences of human actions. It is crucial in shaping not just Greek mythology but also the Roman values and national identity reflected in later epics like the Aeneid.
Virgil: Virgil was a prominent Roman poet known for his epic work, the 'Aeneid,' which plays a critical role in shaping Roman values and national identity. His writings reflect the ideals of duty, piety, and the heroic journey, establishing a narrative that connects the founding of Rome with divine purpose. Through his characters and themes, Virgil articulates the Roman ethos while also exploring deeper human emotions and the significance of nostalgia.
Virtus: Virtus is a Latin term that embodies the concept of virtue, courage, and excellence, often associated with qualities like bravery, moral integrity, and duty to the state. It was a core value in Roman society and was reflected in the ideals of heroism and leadership, particularly in the context of Rome's founding narratives and historical narratives.