Glory of Roman / Roman identity [QUOTES]

Question 1

Roman identity:

“A people proud in….

Answer 1

“A people proud in war and rulers of a great empire”

First mention of the Romans (first page) - virgil acknowledges the readers who feel a pride in their identity

Question 2

“So heavy was the cost…

Answer 2

“So heavy was the cost of founding the Roman race”

Question 3

Rome’s description in Jupiter’s prophecy

“I have given them an empire that…

Answer 3

“I have given them an empire that will know no end”

imperium sine fine = empire without end

Question 4

Jupiter’s prophecy - aim of Rome = Peace

“The Gates of War with their tight fastenings..

Answer 4

“The Gates of War with their tight fastenings of steel will then be closed” - there were gates of mars that were opened and closed according to whether war was happening. Rome’s goal is closed gates i.e. peace

Question 5

First epic smile has references to Roman life

Answer 5

A political simile (as opposed to a more Homeric agricultural simile)

• Talks about the theatre and the senate
• Describes the Carthaginians as bees (natural) but the vehicle used to describe it is something political: shows an idea of productivity, working together with a common purpose, unified identity - all Roman ideals