Roman Values & Key Words Flashcards
Clementia
Clementia is the Roman virtue of mercy, leniency, or compassion, particularly in the context of a leader showing mercy to the defeated or those who have wronged them. In the Aeneid, Aeneas occasionally demonstrates clementia, although he struggles with balancing mercy and justice, as seen in his conflict with Turnus at the end of the epic.
Pietas
Pietas is one of the central virtues in Roman culture, meaning duty, loyalty, and devotion to one’s family, country, and the gods. In the Aeneid, Aeneas is often described as “pius Aeneas,” representing his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his divine mission to found Rome, his respect for the gods, and his care for his people and family, even when it conflicts with his personal desires.
Gravitas
Gravitas refers to seriousness, dignity, and moral responsibility. In the Aeneid, Aeneas embodies gravitas by accepting his fate to found Rome. He displays a calm, weighty demeanour, carrying the burden of leadership with a sense of duty to his people, ancestors, and the gods.
Stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophical attitude focused on rationality, self-control, and endurance in the face of hardship. Aeneas reflects Stoic ideals through his resilience and ability to suppress his emotions (such as grief over Dido and the destruction of Troy) to stay focused on his destiny. His actions reflect a commitment to reason and duty over personal desires.
Constantia
Constantia means constancy, perseverance, and firmness of purpose. In the Aeneid, Aeneas demonstrates constantia by persisting in his mission to establish a new city for the Trojan people, despite obstacles, personal sacrifices, and divine interventions. His steadfastness is a hallmark of his leadership.
Furor
Furor represents intense, uncontrollable emotion, often linked to rage or destructive passion. In the Aeneid, furor is a chaotic force that contrasts with Roman virtues like pietas and gravitas. Aeneas encounters furor in his own moments of rage.
