Overview Flashcards
Who wrote the Aeneid?
Virgil
According to the Romans, who were their ancestors?
The Trojans
Who led the Trojans to Rome?
Aeneas
According to legend who are the founders of Rome?
Romulus and Remus
When was Rome founded?
753 B.C.E
How were Romulus and Remus related to Aeneas?
Through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (also known as Iulus). There were several generations between Ascanius and Numitor, Romulus and Remus’ grandfather.
What causes the Trojan War?
Paris, prince of Troy, elopes with Helen, the wife of the Spartan King Menelaus who then vows vengeance for the slight and attacks Troy to get his wife back.
What language was The Aeneid originally written in?
Latin
What genre does the Aeneid fit into?
Epic Poem
When was the Aeneid written?
Around 20 B.C.E
When is the Aeneid set?
Around the fall of Troy, approximately 1000 B.C.E
Where is the Aeneid set?
Around the Mediterranean including the coast of North Africa, the Italian Peninsula and Asia Minor.
Who is Aeneas’ mother?
Venus, goddess of love
Who is Juno?
Roman goddess of marriage
Who is Dido?
Queen of Carthage and lover of Aeneas
What are some of the key themes of the Aeneid?
Fate, patriotism, struggle, search, meaning of life and suffering
Why was the Aeneid written?
To tie the founding of Rome into the existing myths around the Trojan War and to highlight the glory of Augustus
What is the name given to the series of wars fought between Carthage and Rome?
The Punic Wars
Who is Anchises?
Aeneas’ father
Who is Creusa?
Aeneas’ wife who dies in the fall of Troy
Who is Ascanius?
Aeneas’ son from his first wife, Creusa
Who is Laocoon?
The only Trojan to question the appearance of the wooden horse at their gates who is killed by sea snakes.
Who is Aeolus?
The Roman god of the winds
Who is the Roman god of desire?
Cupid
How does the Aeneid start?
Aeneas is on a boat after the fall of Troy
