World of The Hero: The Aeneid

Question 1

Who was Virgil’s patron

Answer 1

Virgil’s patron was Maecenas, a close adviser of the Emperor Augustus

Question 2

When was the Aeneid composed

Answer 2

Virgil started work on it in about 29 BCE

Question 3

Who were the Muses

Answer 3

Nine Muses protected the arts and sciences.

Calliope is the Muse of Epic

Erato of love poetry

Melpomene of tragedy

Clio of history

They lived on Mount Helicon

Question 4

What is the plot of Book 1

Answer 4

The Trojans 7 years after leaving Troy are just off the coast of Sicily

Juno is determined that they should not reach Italy and sends a storm to blow them off course.

They arrive in Carthage, Juno’s favoured city

Venus complains to Jupiter about her sons suffering, he reassures her that Aeneas will reach Italy and that his descendants will found a great city, which will rule the world

Venus then sends Cupid to impersonate Ascanius and make Dido fall in love with Aeneas

Question 5

What is the plot of Book 2

Answer 5

Aeneas tells the story of the fall of Troy

Sinon had tricked the Trojans into taking in the wooden horse and the Greeks had entered the city and slaughtered King Priam.

Hector appeared to Aeneas in a dream, telling him to leave

Aeneas had escaped with his father Anchises, and his son Ascanius.

His wife Creusa was lost in the confusion. Her ghost appeared to him and told him that his future was with a new wife in Italy

Question 6

What is the plot of Book 3

Answer 6

This book is about the 7 years of wandering

Aeneas goes past Actium

He gets a prophecy that he will know he has arrived at the destined place when they are so hungry that they eat their tables

His father Anchises dies while they are in Sicily

Question 7

what is the plot of Book 4

Answer 7

The story resumes

Dido gives in to her love for Aeneas and thinks they will build a city together, but he gets a message from Jupiter, reminding him of his mission

He puts his duty above his love and, despite pleas from Dido, he leaves

She is in despair and kills herself

Question 8

what is the plot of Book 5

Answer 8

The Trojans return to Sicily and celebrate funeral games in honour of Anchises

Inspired by Juno, the women set fire to the ships, but Aeneas prays for help and Jupiter puts the fire out

Aeneas agrees to allow some of his people to stay in Sicily

They set out for Italy, but the ship’s helmsman, Palinurus, is lost overboard

Question 9

what is the plot of Book 6

Answer 9

Aeneas visit the Sibyl at Cumae in order to get a prophecy from Apollo and to visit his father in the Underworld

He talks to several ghosts, including those of Palinurus and Dido, before meeting his father, who shows him the Roman heroes who are waiting to be born

This inspires Aeneas to fulfil his mission

Question 10

what is the plot of book 7

Answer 10

The Trojans arrive at the mouth of the Tiber and receive a sign to say that they have reached their destination

King Latinus welcomes them and is willing for his daughter to marry Aeneas

Juno intervenes and inspires Amata, Latinus’ wife, to object vehemently to the marriage

Juno then causes Turnus to be consumed with anger

War breaks out

Question 11

what is the plot of book 8

Answer 11

Aeneas leaves the Trojan camp to seek help from Evander, who lives in Pallanteum, a town on the site of Rome

when Aeneas arrives, Evander and his son Pallas are engaged in celebrating Hercules’ destruction of the monster Cacus

Evander shows Aeneas the city and sends his son, Pallas, to fight alongside the Trojans

Venus brings Aeneas new armour, including a shield which depicts Octavian and the battle of Actium

Question 12

what is the battle of Actium

Answer 12

the naval battle in 31 BCE in which Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and became the supreme ruler in Rome

Question 13

what is the plot of Book 9

Answer 13

Aeneas is away, and Turnus attacks the Trojan camp

Nisus and Euryalus set out at night to try to get a message to Aeneas, but are both killed

Turnus breaks into the Trojan camp, but eventually has to escape without doing much damage.

Question 14

what is the plot of Book 10

Answer 14

Aeneas returns with Pallas

Pallas is killed by Turnus, who takes off his sword-belt and wears it

Aeneas rages over the battlefield, killing many in revenge, including Lausus and his father Mezentius

Question 15

what is the plot of Book 11

Answer 15

Both sides bury their dead

Pallas’ body is taken back to Evander

Drances proposes that Turnus should face Aeneas alone, but the battle continues

Camilla joins the fighting, and is killed

Question 16

what is the plot of book 12

Answer 16

a truce is agreed so that a single combat can take place between Aeneas and Turnus

with help from Juturna, Turnus’ sister, the truce is broken, and fierce fighting follows

Latinus’ city is attacked, Amata commits suicide, and Turnus prepares to meet Aeneas alone

Juno does a deal with Jupiter: she will stop interfering if the new race adopts Italian, not Trojan, customs. Jupiter agrees

Aeneas wounds Turnus, who begs for mercy

Aeneas, noticing that Turnus is wearing Pallas’ sword belt, kills him

Question 17

describe the structure of the Aeneid

Answer 17

first half is an Odyssey, the 2nd half an Iliad

the books in the fist half mirror in subject matter those in the second half

also there are parallel characters, who contrast or echo each other

Question 18

what do Books 1 and 7 have in common

Answer 18

The arrival in a strange land and a friendly reception

Book 1 - Juno and a storm

Book 7 - Juno and war

Question 19

what do books 2 and 8 have in common

Answer 19

set in a city

Book 2 - Destruction of Troy

Book 8 - Birth of Rome

Question 20

what do books 3 and 9 have in common

Answer 20

Concerned with father and son (3 Anchises, 9 Ascanius)

Book 3 - Interlude of wandering

Book 9 - Interlude at Trojan camp

Question 21

what do books 4 and 10 have in common

Answer 21

Beings with conflict with an individual, and ends in death

Book 4 - Tragedy of Dido

Book 10 - Tragedy of war

Question 22

what do books 5 and 11 have in common

Answer 22

Funeral games (5 Anchises, 11 Pallas)

Book 5 - Games, reduced tension

Book 11 - Truce, reduced tension

Question 23

what do books 6 and 12 have in common

Answer 23

Aeneas receives his mission (6) and achieves it (12)

Book 6 - future revealed

Book 12 - future assured

Question 24

how does virgil use narrator intervention to the Muses

Answer 24

Like Homer, Virgil begins his epic with a prayer in the proem to the Muse

Later he calls upon Erato and Calliope

He begins the catalogue with a call to all the Muses

Question 25

how does virgil use narrator intervention to the Gods

Answer 25

a direct address to a god lifts the narrative from the human to the divine plane

to stress the horror of war virgil makes exclaimations to the gods in book 12

he addresses Mars when Aeneas sets up the armour of Mezentius as a trophy to him

Question 26

how does Virgil use narrator intervention to himself or his reader

Answer 26

Virgil draws attention to his role as poet in his comment on Nisus and Euryalus

on several occasions he shares with his reader information that points out irony or builds up tension - eg when Turnus takes Pallas’ sword belt

when Turnus is failing and Virgil wants his readers to feel the despair of the young warrior, he uses the first person

sometimes the intervention is by way of a general aside

Question 27

how does Virgil use narrator intervention to participants

Answer 27

Catalogues are made more dynamic by direct address to some of the participants eg Oebalus and Ufens

The individual tragedies of warfare are highlighted by direct address to the warriors, as to Cydon and Larides and Thymber

Question 28

how does the flashback contribute to the story

Answer 28

Books 2 and 3 are a flashback

at Dido’s request Aeneas tells the story of the fall of Troy and his adventures before arriving in Carthage

This echoes Odysseus’ tale to the Phaeacians in Books 9-12 of the Odyssey

The 1st person account increases the tragedy. the story is overlaid with the narrator’s knowledge of the final outcome of events

it gives us a precise perspective

it is Aeneas story to Dido - does he have any motive for putting a spin on the story

the flashback gives Dido the time to hear about Aeneas’ adventures, admire his courage and submit to the effects of Cupid’s poison.

Question 29

state some examples of speeches where prophecies are pronounced through speech

Answer 29

Jupiter tells Venus about Rome

Hector talks to Aeneas in a dream

Anchises shows Aeneas the future Romans

Diana tells of Camilla’s past, and announces her fate

Jupiter tells Juno about the new race, and she replies

Question 30

state some examples of speeches where immortals deliver speeches to mortals

Answer 30

Venus tells Aeneas about Dido

Venus stops Aeneas killing Helen

Mercury delivers Jupiters message to Aeneas

Allecto speaks to Turnus

Apollo talks to Ascanius

Question 31

state some examples of speeches where there is discussion and conversation

Answer 31

Juno and Venus plot the marriage

Sibyl and Charon enjoy challenging each other

Ascanius announces they are eating their tables

Latinus tries to change Turnus’ mind

Question 32

state some examples of rhetorical or formal speeches and messages

Answer 32

Ilioneus addresses Dido

Laocoon entreats the Trojans to be suspicious of the wooden horse

Aeneas responds to Dido

Latinus speaks to his peopl

Drances puts the case against Turnus

Question 33

state some examples of speeches which are prayers

Answer 33

Iarbas to Jupiter

Aeneas to Apollo

Turnus to Jupiter

Aeneas to Jupiter

Question 34

state of examples of speeches where there is tragedy

Answer 34

Anna advises her sister (Dido)

Dido pleads with Aeneas

Question 35

state some examples of speeches where there is a rousing battle speech

Answer 35

Pallas to his troops

Tarchon to the Etruscans

Question 36

state some examples of speech where there is a victors speech to the victim

Answer 36

Turnus killing Pallas

Aeneas killing Lausus

Question 37

state some examples of speech where there are dying words

Answer 37

Dido reviews her achievements

Mezentius’ dying words

Camilla’s dying words

Turnus’ plea to Aeneas

Question 38

state some examples of speech where there is lamentation

Answer 38

the mother of Euryalus for her son

Mezentius on the death of Lausus

Aeneas for Pallas

Evander for Pallas

Juturna on the imminent death of Turnus

Question 39

state some examples of speech where there is ekphrasis

Answer 39

evander about cacus

diana about camilla

Question 40

what is ekphrasis

Answer 40

a passage inserted into the story which describes a work of art or tells another story in a digression

Question 41

explain the proem

Answer 41

the first few lines of the Aeneid gives us the outline of the story and prompt us to ask questions about the themes

Question 42

explain the theme of cities

Answer 42

exile and the founding of cities is a recurring theme

Rome itself is referred to explicitly

Aeneas visit to Pallanteum in book 8 embodies the theme of new cities as Pallanteum is on the site of future Rome and provides familiar topographical and cultural references to the city

allusions to Rome throughout the narrative - head of a horse found when Carthage was being built

the shield shows Rome and the temple of Apollo

Question 43

explain the meaning of the imagery of animals in the epic

Answer 43

animals are used to explore the theme of people being overcome by their furor or rage in war

Question 44

explain the meaning of the imagery of storms in the epic

Answer 44

storms are used as expressions of an all-powerful enemy

Question 45

explain the meaning of the imagery of trees in the epic

Answer 45

Trees are used as symbols of hope and stability

Question 46

explain the meaning of the imagery of fire in the epic

Answer 46

fire is used to express all-consuming emotions

Question 47

explain the theme of war and peace in the epic

Answer 47

images of the peaceful world of trees and rivers being destroyed by storms and raging torrents

a simile in book 2 about the felling of an ash tree is used to evoke the destruction of Troy

a river flowing past shady woodlands portrays the idyllic picture of a peaceful beginning in a new land

rivers in spate represent the fury of war against which man is powerless

Virgil uses winds and storms as well as rivers to express the destruction of peace

Images from Greek Tragedy are used to convey passion eg Dido rushing through the streets like a Bacchant

Question 48

explain the theme of the death of the young and the vulnerable in the epic

Answer 48

war, particularly civil war, brings suffering to families

dying sons and grieving parents feature throughout the epic

those who die have their youth emphasised and are sometimes characterised as vulnerable

Question 49

outline similes in Virgil

Answer 49

Similes in Virgil are usually long, called extended similes

Question 50

what is the purpose of ekphrasis in the epic

Answer 50

they provide accounts which are interesting in themselves, but they also link into the narrative

sometimes they have resonances in the real world of Augustan Rome, or help us to explore the themes of the Aeneid

Question 51

state the five works of art discussed in ekphrasis in the epic

Answer 51

The sculpture on the Carthaginians’ Temple to Juno

The Sculpture on the Temple to Apollo at Cumae

Aeneas’ shield

The sword-belt of Pallas

Turnus’ shield

Question 52

explain the ekphrasis of the sculpture on the Carthaginians’ temple to Juno in Book 1

Answer 52

The scene tells stories from the Trojan war

Aeneas comes upon it in a wooded grove in the middle of Carthage

Aeneas says it allays his fears - but note the irony - built as it is in Juno’s city, it is bound to be celebrating, not lamenting, the fall of Troy

Question 53

explain the ekphrasis of the sculpture on the temple of Apollo at Cumae in Book 6

Answer 53

The sculpture shows the story of Daedalus and Icarus

The sculptor, Daedalus himself, cannot finish the sculpture

Question 54

explain the ekphrasis of Aeneas’ shield in Book 8

Answer 54

The shield has a very clear literary origin

In the Iliad, Thetis gives her son Achilles a shield made by Hephaestus

This shield carries a very clear political message to the reader, but means nothing to Aeneas, who is “rejoicing at the things pictured on it without knowing what they were”

Question 55

explain the ekphrasis of The Sword-belt of Pallas in Book 10

Answer 55

A conquered enemy’s weapons should be dedicated to a god, not worn by a killer

Turnus, however, removes the sword-belt from Pallas and wears it himself

Virgil tells the reader that later on he would wish he had acted differently

The story on the belt is the murder of 49 out of 50 sons of Aegyptus by their cousins, the daughters of Danaus, on their wedding night

could relate to marriage not consummated, lust for revenge or the civil wars

there were statues telling the same story on the portico surrounding the temple of Apollo which Augustus himself dedicated in 28 BC

Question 56

explain the ekphrasis of Turnus’s shield in Book 7

Answer 56

Turnus’s shield shows Io, the daughter of Inachus, who was changed into a heifer by Jupiter to prevent Juno from seeing that he had taken Io as a mistress

Juno discovered the truth, sent Argus to guard Io and a gadfly to plague her

Inachus is an ancestor of Turnus, so there is a family link

Question 57

explain how Virgil uses Catalogue to add to the story

Answer 57

A catalogue is a traditional feature of epic

Homer had given a catalogue of ships in the Iliad

Virgil writes 2 catalogues

Book 7 lists Latinus’ allies

Book 10 list those of Aeneas

provide a picture of individuals, some in detail, and present the different groups which will be the ancestors of the Romans

naming of some of the places such as the Tiber or Praeneste, flourishing in Virgil’s time, perhaps was intended to inspire patriotism and unity under the peace of Augustus

Question 58

explain the Homeric Influence on Virgil’s Aeneid

Answer 58

Virgil rewrites and emulates Homeric epic for his Roman audience

it looks to both a Trojan past and a Roman future

it has a comparable hero and subject matter - it uses literary devices of Homer’s epics, and is written in dactylic hexameters

Virgil uses epithets, repeated phrases, parallel scenes and characters, and similes, all familiar from Homer, but not in exactly the same way

there is more psychological depth to the characters and there are pauses in the action where Virgil shares what is going on in the minds of his creations

Homer was telling stories of a time-less heroic world conjured up for legend

Virgil moves from fantasy to the real world with appearances of real Roman statesmen and the city of Rome with the Tiber

Question 59

what are the values of the hero in Homer

Answer 59

In Homer the hero

is intent on performing actions that will gain him a place in the repertoire of the bards, and so earn him fame and immortality - kleos

must be mortal, but high born

is helped or hindered by the gods

fights because it is an obligation to his family, ancestors and community

fights for his own glory

pursues gifts as a mark of honour (time)

looks impressive

is ferocious when he fights

shows emotion

is skilled with words

is often shown putting on his armour before going into battle

Question 60

how does Turnus display the characteristics of the Homeric hero

Answer 60

He is presented as the second Achilles that the Sibyl predicted in Book 6

Has obligations as a leader

burns with fury against his enemy

is bold and brave in his fighting

has divine protection

is impressive in his armour

has horses with super-equine powers

is proud and has a fear of shame

is likened in similes to fierce animals

is young

Question 61

how is Turnus a Hector figure

Answer 61

he defends his homeland against invaders

he fights for Lavinia and Amata, as Hector fights to protect his wife and mother

takes on the role of protector for a king who is too old to fight

Question 62

who do Nisus and Euryalus relate to in Homeric epic

Answer 62

Nisus and Euryalus relate to Achilles and Patroclus, the young heroes in Homer’s Iliad in their close bond of friendship and thirst for glory

Question 63

what is Nisus’ motivation for setting out on the night expedition

Answer 63

it is not so much to get a message to Aeneas as to prove himself

Ascanius responds by offering him rewards satisfying the Homeric hero’s need for time

Question 64

what happens when Euryalus is captured

Answer 64

When Euryalus is captured, Nisus throws himself at his captor in a vain attempt to save his friend

this is a brave gesture, and a heroic one, which will gain him glory and fame craved for by the Homeric hero

but it is a selfish act - Nisus has chosen glory over the mission of summoning help from Aeneas

Question 65

how is Aeneas a Homeric hero

Answer 65

He is mortal but high born

He is helped and hindered by the Gods

physically impressive and ferocious when he fights

he is a leader

like Achilles Aeneas is a hero fighting in a foreign land

Like Hector he has the gods of Troy to protect

like Paris he is mocked for effeminate dress

like Odysseus he is a traveller who has arrived “home” to conflict with a Suitor

In book 10 he is capable of behaving with the same bloodlust as Nisus and Euryalus

like Achilles he selects prisoners to be sacrificed on his friends funeral pyre

Question 66

what makes Aeneas a post-Homeric hero

Answer 66

he has already achieved fame by the time the epic begins - he no longer needs or wants to pursue kleos, and is a reluctant story-teller

he thinks of what he owes to his heirs, not himself, when he acts

prays to the gods to get their approval before acting, and makes offerings to them after victory

acts in accordance with fate, not his own inclinations

acts for the good of the community

is reluctant to fight

shows courage, but not excessive anger

when faced with a choice between affection and duty he abandoned Dido

Question 67

describe how Aeneas is a leader

Answer 67

The Trojans rally to him after the fall of Troy

when they are shipwrecked he provides food for all his men and encourages them - presents the sculpture on the temple as a cause for optimism

Ilioneus says he has no equal for his piety or care for justice, or in the field of battle

in Book 6 at the burial of Misenus he took lead in all the work urging on his comrades

Question 68

describe Aeneas as a lover

Answer 68

the subject matter of Book 4 is a relationship - however Virgil gives us the thoughts and words of Dido, not Aeneas

Aeneas’ first reaction to Mercury’s message is to hesitate and wonder

she senses his deception and attacks him first

his defence is a poor excuse - he claims he has never offered her marriage or entered into any contract with her

Virgil has not given us any indication of Aeneas’ thoughts in book 4 - is he a hero putting duty above affection or a heartless lover

Question 69

describe Aeneas as a family man

Answer 69

the father and son relationship is an important theme in the Aeneid

only time we see a scene between father and son alone is when Aeneas is leaving for battle

the scene is clearly modelled on the Iliad where Hector embraces Astyanax

Aeneas embraces his son though his helmet

his words are often lacking but his actions portray a very human character who longs for affection

he is exasperated at the impossibility of having a normal relationship with his mother and he tries but fails to grasp Creusa in Book 2 and his father in book 6

his first wish is to return to rebuild Troy, but he is denied that as he is destined for greater things and must move on

he tends to be faltering in his approach and tends to react rather than take the initiative

Question 70

what is the Penates

Answer 70

The gods which represent and protect the household and the city

Question 71

what is the role of Aeneas in Rome’s imperial destiny

Answer 71

Proem - Aeneas is driven on by Fate to reach Italy and his arrival will mark the beginning of the Latin race

Jupiter explains the line of descent to Romulus and the founding of the city of Rome

Aeneas must lead his exiled Trojans to Italy - Hector predicts a great city and gives him the Penates of Troy

Key to his success is his piety and he sacrifices to the gods and local deities, watches out for signs and goes the way Fate and the gods lead

Augustus and his empire are the culmination of this imperial destiny

an explicit link between Aeneas and the Empire is made by the shield given to him - depicts the battle of Actium

Question 72

who was Julius Caesar

Answer 72

100-44 BC

A successful politician and soldier who extended the Roman empire and then seized power in Rome

In the civil war that followed he defeated Pompey, but was assassinated in 44 BC by a group of conspirators

they feared that he wanted to abolish the Republic and take all the power for himself like a king

he adopted Octavian his great nephew as his heir

his family traced its lineage back to Iulus

Question 73

describe the character of Ascanius/Iulus

Answer 73

In book 2 his hair catches fire, a message from Jupiter that they should leave Troy

he is an important element in Jupiter’s message - even if Aeneas is not concerned about his own destiny, he should not deprive his son of a kingdom in Italy

in book 1 and 7 Ascanius is used by an immortal as a vehicle for a plan which will bring death and destruction

in book 1 cupid impersonates Ascanius and his arrow destroys Dido

in book 7 Juno inspires him to shoot the pet stag and ignite the war with the Latins

has a tendency towards self-glorification

without his father to guide him he lacks the humanity that the new hero should display

has a potential for getting carried away with victory and indulging in bloodlust which is seen by Apollo who keeps him away from the fighting

Question 74

describe the character of Anna

Answer 74

Anna has her own tragedy

she acts with the best intentions her words are full of affection and good sense, and ironically, she is even right when she guesses that Juno is behind Aeneas appearance in Carthage

almost everything she does or says harms the sister she loves

she even helps Dido build her own funeral pyre and at the moment when Dido kills herself she is absent - arriving only just in time to catch her sister’s last breath

Question 75

what does Dido have in common with Aeneas

Answer 75

she has much in common with Aeneas

both are refugees and noble leaders of their people

both have lost their spouse

both are manipulated by the gods

both are founding cities

both are from rich places characterised by gold and rich textiles

in similes they are Apollo and Diana, the divine twins

Question 76

in what way are Dido and Aeneas in strong opposition to each other

Answer 76

they are in strong opposition to each other

woman and man

Carthage and Rome - destined to be enemies

victim and hunter

childless and father

passionate and reserved

wild wind and a solid oak

quick to react and slow to react

some suggest an allusion to Cleopatra and Antony or Cleopatra and Octavian

Question 77

how is Dido a victim

Answer 77

she is a victim

of her brother who murdered her husband

of Juno and Venus, who manipulated her for their own purposes

of Cupid’s arrow

of her sisters advice

of Iarbas, the jealous suitor

of Rumour who presents to the world a sordid affair rather than the marriage Dido believes herself to have entered into

of Aeneas who leaves her

of the foundation of the roman race, in which Fate gives her no part

Question 78

in what way does Dido fit the model of a heroine from a Greek tragedy

Answer 78

she is a good woman who makes a wrong decision - after which she is condemned

she prays to the Gods for their approval

she carries on and marries Aeneas, unaware of the consequences of her action

she realises that she has been deceived, and sees death as the only way out

Question 79

who is Octavian, later known as Augustus

Answer 79

63 BC - AD 14

After the death of Julius Caesar, Octavian avenged his adopted father’s death and eventually, after a struggle with Mark Antony, became the first emperor

when he assumed complete control in 27 he took the name Augustus

Question 80

who is Mark Antony

Answer 80

83-30 BC

The main adversary of Octavian after Caesar’s death

he allied himself with Cleopatra and fought Octavian for the leadership of Rome

he was defeated at the battle of Actium

Question 81

describe the Sibyl

Answer 81

Priestess of Apollo

she anchors our interest in what is human as we are taken through a world of phantoms and monsters

sharply warns Aeneas of the time

interchange with Charon before presenting the golden bough

Question 82

describe Latinus

Answer 82

Aeneas must marry into the family of Latinus to create the new race

is of impeccable divine origin as is appropriate for the ancestor of the roman people

at first welcomes Aeneas into his kingdom

knows that Aeneas is the husband foretold for Lavinia but cannot resist Amata and allows war to be declared

in book 12 attempts to persuade Turnus to give up Lavinia but fails and withdraws

his lack of courage to pursue what he knows is required of Fate

his lack of piety in ignoring the omen brings about his personal tragedy and the destruction of his city

Question 83

describe Amata

Answer 83

wants her daughter to marry Turnus, the young fiance who loves her, not an unknown foreigner

Juno exploits her anger, drives her into a frenzy and uses her to stir up war against the Trojans

when she foresees that Aeneas will kill Turnus she hangs herself in despair

Question 84

how does Virgil show the destructive force of way in his portrayal of Amata and Latinus

Answer 84

in portraying the family unit, rather than just Latinus, Virgil is able to show the destructive force of war as husband and wife are on opposing sides

he emphasises that this Italian war is a civil war

Question 85

why are the characters of Nisus and Euryalus significant

Answer 85

their youth - tragedy as they are too young and inexperienced for war

their violent killing - they take pleasure in slaughter

their lack of piety - betrayed by the trophies they take when such spoils should be dedicated to the gods

the power of love - Nisus chooses to die for his friend

their thirst for kleos - this is Nisus reason for volunteering

their failed mission - they lose sight of their mission

the beauty of the description of the death of Euryalus

being an example of men who are free to act, and bring about their own downfall through their own self-indulgence and greed

Question 86

describe the character of Turnus

Answer 86

Sibyl tells Aeneas he will have to face another Achilles another son of a goddess - Turnus

he is a person of standing and a hero who presents a worthy challenge to Aeneas

has divine help

skilled fighter

man of integrity

his own behaviour is manipulated by Juno

Turnus wants to marry the girl he loves and protect his kingdom against invaders who want to settle in his land

misfortune that he has got mixed up in a divine plan which is beyond his control

Question 87

describe the character of Mezentius

Answer 87

scorner of the gods

his own people the Etruscans have driven him out

has allied himself with Turnus

his son sacrifices his life to save him

devastated by his sons sacrifice, he begins to demonstrate heroic behaviour

Mezentius has his horse as his companion like the heroes in the Elysian fields

he understands he is only mortal and accepts his fate

he is presented as a hero

Aeneas throws his spear between the eyes of his horse in order to kill Mezentius

Question 88

describe the character of Lausus

Answer 88

Lausus is Mezentius’ son

known for his beauty

deserved a father whom it would have been a joy to obey

Lausus throws himself in the way of Aeneas spear in order to save his father

boy of similar age to Pallas

Question 89

describe the character of Evander

Answer 89

Greek from Arcadia who settled on the site of the future Rome before the Trojan war and founded a city on the Palatine Hill

strong bonds with Aeneas through his friendship with Anchises

in book 8 he shows Aeneas the city

is pious and leads a simple life reflecting Roman moral traditions

entrusts Aeneas with his son and when Pallas’ body is brought back he calls upon Aeneas to avenge the death

Question 90

describe the character of Pallas

Answer 90

Evander’s son

entrusted to Aeneas by his father

appears as a young boy when he asks Aeneas questions on the journey

is capable of giving a rousing speech on the battlefield when the men are dispirited

the effect of his death on others is important

Question 91

what does adding Evander and Pallas to the story allow Virgil to do

Answer 91

allows Virgil to

include a scene in Pallanteum the future Rome

show that it is possible for the bonds of friendship to be stronger than the enmity of war - a good lesson to teach after a civil war

shows a leader with a modest lifestyle like Augustus

shows a pious man enacting rituals familiar to Romans

through the death of Pallas provide a motive for Aeneas to pursue Turnus with furor

explore the father and son relationship

Question 92

describe the character of Drances

Answer 92

characteristically ambiguous

Virgil manipulates our reactions to the characters and never gives us easy answers

Turnus is the enemy but is noble in defending his right to marry the woman he loves

Aeneas is the Roman hero but is cruel

Drances talks sense but he is arrogant and all words according to Turnus

Question 93

describe the character of Camilla

Answer 93

Virgils invention

defies the traditional woman’s role

royal splendour

parallel figure at the end of the epic to Dido at the start of the epic

belongs to nature, is also a warrior, and her staff has the head of a lance

dies because she is attracted by the exotic gold and purple of the finery of Choreus the eunuch priest

may have recalled for Romans the spirit of their rural past and the purity that war destroys

her death is full of pathos

Question 94

describe the character of Juturna

Answer 94

like Thetis in the Iliad

is an immortal caught between the worlds of Fate, divine manipulation and love for her mortal family

her immortality is a gift from Jupiter as the price of her ransomed virginity

immortality consigns her to eternal grieving for her brother

Virgil used Turnus’ sister to help him out as it injects a greater element of human pity- this is a sister desperately trying to save her brother

Question 95

how does Virgil differ from the Homeric view of war

Answer 95

Virgil questions the Homeric ideal of unthinking pursuit of war for personal glory

he sees it more as a means to restore civilisation

he does this by showing Aeneas as a hero who avoids conflict

Question 96

what are the views in Virgil’s portrayal of war

Answer 96

War causes suffering, and civil wars are particularly destructive

War is a result of the behaviour of human beings

War is presented by images of inhuman and irrational behaviour

Question 97

what examples are there that war causes suffering

Answer 97

war killing the young when their parents are still alive

mothers losing sons

fathers losing sons

brothers dying together

women as victims of war

other individual tragedies

Question 98

what examples are there that war is a result of the behaviour of human beings

Answer 98

Jupiter’s speech about free will in Book 10

the extent at which Latinus and Turnus are guilty of bringing war upon themselves

Question 99

describe the Trojans

Answer 99

first view of trojans is as victims of Juno’s storm and then on the temple frieze where they are the victims of the greeks

in book 2 are victims of Sinons trickery and Pallas athene - emphasis is on suffering of the women clinging to the pillars and destruction of the innocent

their city is characterised by wealth - gilded beams and richly ornamented ceilings, bronze-plated doorposts, and rich weaving

Aeneas is shown as a solitary figure leading the Trojans, carrying alone the burden of his mission

their enemies point to their foreign ways and call them effeminate

Juno is reassured by Jupiter that when the Trojans join with the native Italians it will be the manly courage of Italy that dominates, and Trojan customs and language will give way to the Latins

Question 100

describe the greeks portrayal in the epic

Answer 100

the greeks are depicted on the Carthaginians temple and in reality in book 2

they are perfidious and murderous

presents trojans as naive when faced with the trickery of the arts of greec and their stratagems

a shift in perception later on

Evander is Greek but Aeneas considers their bond through courage, and the kinship of their fathers

Anchises in book 6 says that other Greeks will excel in sculpture and rhetoric

the enemy of the future is not Greece but Carthage

Question 101

describe the Carthaginians portrayal in the epic

Answer 101

dear to Juno and destined to be overthrown by rulers of a great empire - Rome

gives Juno motivation that Aeneas should never arrive in Italy as if Rome is not founded then Carthage is safe

the city is still in the process if being built but it is civilised - Dido is giving laws to the people and dividing up the work to be done

Dido is vulnerable as she is an exile and is surrounded by hostile tribes and needs guards at her frontiers

great wealth and luxury are prominent

carthage holds memories of victory over hannibal and is in north africa - would remind people of Augustus’ victory over Egypt

Question 102

describe the portrayal of the Italians in the epic

Answer 102

the italians are already on the brink of war when Aeneas arrives and those who want to stop Mezentius from imposing his tyrannical rule are glad to have the trojans as an ally

Latinus has reigned peacefully for many years - grandson of Saturn

he has received prophecy about marriage with a stranger

Latinus offers Aeneas xenia and is ready to give him Lavinia as his bride

Pallanteum, the city of Evander is on the site of future Rome

the people share traditional roman values that Augustus is trying to promote

in book 7 there is a catalogue of the tribes that are fighting against Aeneas

some have special skills or interesting backgrounds

the names of the places they come from were established towns in Augustan times

Question 103

what is pietas

Answer 103

doing the right thing for the gods, one’s family and society

is a moral value which is implicit in the Aeneid

Question 104

what were the moral values that people had lost sight of during the civil war

Answer 104

a sense of knowing your position in the great scheme of things, seeing the importance of what you have inherited from the ancestors, respecting the position you are in and playing your part

being constant and steadfast in what you do, persevering and keeping your eye on your goal even when things are difficult

moderation, exercising self-control, and avoiding extravagance

Question 105

what are some examples of Aeneas’ piety

Answer 105

Book 2 - Aeneas and his family leave Troy with the Penates

Book 6 - the burial of Misenus

Book 6 - Anchises account of his son’s piety

Book 7 - Aeneas makes offerings on reaching his destination

Book 11 - preparations for the funeral of Pallas

book 12 - swearing an oath

book 12 - killing Turnus and fulfilling his oath

Question 106

what is furor

Answer 106

Furor is mad, irrational or uncontrolled behaviour, the opposite of the civilised and controlled way in which the ideal Roman should conduct himself

Question 107

explain the importance of furor in the Aeneid

Answer 107

in book 1 there is a simile where Neptune calms a storm like a good man calms an angry crowd

it suggests that pietas can overcome furor and this is an important theme of the Aeneid

Furor is used to describe Amata and Dido

Furor is the rage which drives Homeric heroes to kill

Turnus is subject to furor and the images of him are as a wild animal

Aeneas is also prey to furor - wants to kill Helen and sacrifices humans at Pallas’ funeral

In book 12 he kills Turnus when he has already renounced Lavinia

Romans mission will be to cast down the proud but they will also be merciful to the conquered

Question 108

explain the importance of Fate in the Aeneid

Answer 108

Fate has the meaning of that which has been said or pronounced by a god

the other immortals accept that Jupiter’s will always prevails

whenever Dido dies it is before the decree of Fate so Iris has to make a special journey to release her from her body

in Homer the gods frequently intervene in the action and there is a sense that with the agreement of Zeus, fate is not perhaps immutable

fate in homer seems to relate mostly to the time of a man’s death, rather than his actions in life

fate is a useful device for Virgil in his praise of Augustus

it gives virgil a context within which he can refer to the future and highlight events, such as the closure of the Gates of War

there is a flexibility in fate

Question 109

describe Jupiter in the epic

Answer 109

Jupiter embodies the notion of fate in the Aeneid and is responsible for its execution

while Jupiter ensures the fulfilment of fate he does sometimes get distracted, allowing attempts which aim to divert or postpone the inevitable

there is a flexibility in fate

Question 110

who are the immortals

Answer 110

they include

gods from Mount Olympus

Native Italian gods

Minor gods and nymphs

deities that inhabit particular places

forces such as the Furies

Question 111

describe Juno and Venus in the epic

Answer 111

Like the Homeric gods Juno and Venus have all the human vices

Juno is the driving force behinds Aeneas troubles - she begins book 1 angry with Aeneas success in approaching italy and later goes on to cause the war

in book 12 Juno is reconciled to his settling there

they are significant to the narrative as they represent opposing amibitons and support Turnus and Aeneas each

they provide a means for Virgil to move the plot in unexpected way through their ability to heal a wound at will

their individual schemes disregard the consequences for mortals and they are full of cunning

Juno is confident that she has the higher authority as she is the wife of Jupiter

Venus is confident that she will be able to manipulate her father

when Jupiter calls both to the council of the gods in book 10 he asserts the power of fate and Aeneas role in Rome’s imperial destiny

Question 112

describe Apollo in the epic

Answer 112

Apollo intervenes only once to prevent Ascanius from continuing to fight in book 9

his presence as god of prophecy and archer god is felt throughout the epic

Question 113

what is the role of the immortals in the plot of the epic

Answer 113

they drive the main events in the plot

they enact their own drama on Olympus giving the Aeneid another tier of action

they create excitement and suspense as an immortal can appear at will and intervene in the action

they can represent human experience and be seen as symbols

when people in the aeneid act under the influence of an immortal they never act out of character

they are a poetic expression used to recreate an image or idea

they are an important tool in the delivery of moral and political messages

the presence of Jupiter as Fate reinforces the purpose of Aeneas mission

the gods are symbolic of the continuity of the Roman state

the gods are important in the expression of political allusions as being immortal they can see the future

the presence of Venus is a reminder that Augustus through Iulus can trace his ancestry to the gods

Juno is a reminder of Rome’s Italian origins

The presence of gods on both sides shows that both are pious

Question 114

how do the immortals communicate with mortals

Answer 114

appearance, either as themselves or in the shape of another person

sending a lesser immortal with a message

sending a sign, usually in the sky

sending false signs to confuse them

prophets

dreams

Question 115

how do mortals communicate with immortals

Answer 115

vows

sacrifices

prayers

consultation with a prophet

face-to-face meetings in special cases

Question 116

how is the family important in the Aeneid

Answer 116

the father-son relationship reflects the continuity of the Roman race - Aeneas’ father and son allow him to look backwards and forwards

family relationships give potential for maximum pathos in highlighting the cruelty of war

most families will have been affected by the deaths of loved ones in the civil wars and are likely to be engaged by the issues raised by the presentation of families

the tracing of Augustus’ line back to Iulus is a key theme

families can span the human and divine - immortal family relationships add another level of complexity to the story

Aeneas-Venus relationship highlights the huge burden that Aeneas carries of being a hero

Augustus was keen to promote the family as part of his reforms

Augustus saw himself as the father of the country and promoted the worship of the genius of his family

Question 117

in which instances is friendship and xenia important

Answer 117

Dido and Aeneas

Latinus and Aeneas

Evander and Aeneas

The friendship of Nisus and Euryalus

Question 118

describe the dido and aeneas friendship

Answer 118

when Aeneas men arrive in Carthage with the ships wrecked they approach Dido as suppliants

she is quick to offer them protection

it is this friendship that Aeneas refers to in his short speech to her

guest-friendship is a good refuge from facing up to the truth

Question 119

describe the Latinus and Aeneas friendship

Answer 119

Ironically Latinus greets the Trojans with words of friendship

This makes their going to war even more tragic

Question 120

describe the relationship between Evander and Aeneas

Answer 120

Aeneas has no qualms about approaching the Greek Evander because the bonds that link them through friendship are much stronger than the enmity engendered by past wars

the bond is particularly strong because it spans the generations and was sealed with gifts

Anchises had given Evander a quiver, a cloak and a pair of bridles, things he has now passed on to his sib Pallas

Question 121

describe the relationship between Nisus and Euryalus

Answer 121

they set out keen for glory, but Euryalus is captured and killed

the picture of Nisus pleading for his young friends life, the sword piercing Euryalus’ youthful white breast and Nisus hurling himself onto his friends body to die is a moving tribute to their friendship

like Achilles and Patroclus they are portrayed as lovers

Question 122

describe the relationships between men and women in the epic

Answer 122

the husband and wife relationships we witness are at points of crisis

Hecuba is protective of the old an weak Priam and seems to take the initiative, telling him to sit by her at the altar - they appear a devoted couple

we meet Creusa just as the Greeks are reaching the family home and she prevails upon her husband to protect them all - the spotlight however is on the 3 generations of father and son

Amata seems to have a strong voice in the question of her daughters marriage - perhaps echoing the strong women behind power in Roman politics

Amata’s role is to cause Latinus to retreat and allow the war to happen

Dido seems to flourish much more when she is not in a relationship with a man

when Aeneas arrives in Carthage she runs around in a frenzy of passion for him and all her building work stops

however Dido without a man is a formidable power - she takes the treasure, leads the escape from Tyre, negotiates some land, builds a city and runs it efficiently

relationships with men seem to suppress her real qualities

a roman though might believe that it is in a woman’s character to behave irrationally, and that she is acting unnaturally when she is strong and independent

Question 123

describe the relationships between parents and children in the epic

Answer 123

Aeneas relationships with his father and his son are essential to the Aeneid

Virgil’s concern is the family bond between generations, the responsibility one has for the other and the respect to be shown to elders

Aeneas looks up to Anchises

He will not abandon his father in Troy and seems to rely on him even after he has died

he tells Dido that his father has been continually warning him in his dreams to leave for Italy

when he visit the Sibyl to get Apollos prophecies he asks to make the journey to see his father

the wisdom of the forefathers is precious and very relevant in a poem in which a return to traditional values is a key theme

the fact that it is his father who shows him the parade of roman heroes reinforces the sense of continuity between the age of heroes and Augustan rome

Aeneas and Ascanius is seen in the scene in book 12 where Aeneas kisses him affectionately but through his helmet

he instils in him the importance of following the good examples of his elders

Aeneas has no real relationship with his mother - she intervenes to help him throughout the story but never engages with him as a mother

Virgil does not explore the relationship between Amata and Lavinia but shows a very strong bond between Amata and Turnus - who address her as mother

Question 124

list the parts played by women in the epic

Answer 124

as victims of war

women and marriage

women as objects

women and emotional instability

Question 125

describe the part played by women as victims of war in the epic

Answer 125

the 1st group of women we meet are the Trojan women on the sculpture of the Temple to Juno in Carthage - they are going in supplication to the temple of Athene their hair unbound and beating their breasts

in book 2 Aeneas recounts the fall of Troy and the image is repeated

in book 7 when Latin women hear the signal for war terrified mothers pressed their babies to their breasts

in book 9 there is the mother of Euryalus grief

a grieving mother is a very effective way of highlighting the evil destructive force of war

there is also the theme of wailing women in book 11, 1 and 2

Virgil creates pathos for the women victims of war

in book 9 Ascanius promises Nisus 12 chosen matrons as reward - act with callous disregard for women

Question 126

describe the part played by women and marriage in the epic

Answer 126

Lavinia is destined to marry Aeneas - she only has one blush during the epic

she does not have to make any moral decision as that is her fathers problem and as a young girl she is not subject to the over-emotional outbursts of her mother

it is almost as though she doesnt exist except as an object to be fought over

Romans were used to arranged marriages and would not have found her silent acquiescence as unsettling as we do

Question 127

describe the part played by women as objects in the epic

Answer 127

women are often perceived as objects to be traded

Iarbas seems to think he should have first option on Dido

Juno offers Aeolus a nymph in exchange for the storm

Ascanius promises Latin matrons to Nisus

Juturna was raped by Jupiter and given the unwanted gift of immortality in return

Question 128

describe the part played by women and emotional instability in the epic

Answer 128

Allecto, the personification of destructive jealously, is female

the defining quality of women in the Aeneid seems to be their irrationality or furor, and consequent tendency to upset the male order of things - eg Dido and Amata

Question 129

what did Octavian do after the battle of Actium in 31 BC

Answer 129

sent Agrippa his right hand man back to Rome to settle the troops who were becoming restless because they wanted payment

invaded Egypt - Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide - he treated most of Antony’s supporters leniently but killed Ptomely Caesar, Cleopatras son by Julius Caesar and Antony’s eldest son

gained all the wealth of Egypt for Rome

travelled to the eastern provinces to establish his authority there

in 29 BC he closed the gates of the Temple of Janus a symbol that Rome was finally at peace

Question 130

what did Octavian do to set about restoring order

Answer 130

he established that internal peace was to continue and reduced the number of legions, settling veterans in colonies with a pension

shared the consulship with Agrippa

annulled the proscriptions that had been made in the past

removed disreputable senators but did not expel any just because they had been supporters of Antony

encouraged religious practice

provided the people with entertainment

began his building programme

Question 131

what did Augustus do from 27 BC onwards

Answer 131

Augustus declared that he was restoring the republic

encouraged a return to traditional Roman values

adopted the name Augustus meaning revered one and princeps - first citizen

renounced all his powers - the Senate objected and continued to elect him into the consulship as he knew they would

revived simple rural festivals and encouraged the worship of local deities

continued his building programme

introduced laws to improve public morality

built himself a modest house on the Palatine and encouraged simple living

celebrated the secular games in 17 to mark the beginning of a new golden age - after the death of Virgil

encouraged promotion of his regime through literature and art

Question 132

what was Virgil’s relationship to Augustus and his regime

Answer 132

Virgil was born in 70 BC in Cisalpine Gaul which received Roman citizenship status from Julius Caesar in 49

Virgil’s awareness of what it meant to be Roman could have had influence on the Aeneid

he was brought up in the countryside and had a love of nature

he moved to Rome to study rhetoric, law and philosophy and witnessed the effects of political unrest in Rome caused by Pompey’s controversial appointment as sole consul

• Caesars crossing the Rubicon and the beginning of the civil war
• the dictatorship and assassination of Caesar
• the rise of Antony
• the arrival of Octavian
• the defeat of the conspirators at Philippi
• the death of Cicero
• the wars between Antony and Octavian
• Antony’s defeat at Actium in 31

his first poem in the Eclogues published in 37 is thought to express his thanks to Octavian for having restored him to his family farm - which had earlier been appropriated to war veterans

in his Georgics he acknowledges the support he has had from Maecenas, adviser of Augustus and wealthy patron of the arts

he was not a politician and moved away from Rome to the countryside near Naples

he felt gratitude to Augustus for bringing a period of peace and for the patronage he received from Maecenas

his works were literary masterpieces inspired by Hesiod and Homer but taking on the roman context and embodying the spirit of Virgil’s times

Question 133

explain where there are promotion of Augustus in the epic

Answer 133

there are passages which are unequivocal praise of Augustus where he is mentioned by name and his achievements are referred to

references which could be veiled praise to Augustus

passages which are in line with Augustus policies such as respect for the traditional ways or the importance of the family unit - but could be there because they are sentiments that Virgil wants to express anyway

some think the character of Aeneas is based on Augustus

Question 134

what references are there to Augustus in Book 1

Answer 134

Reference to Carthage - Romans were proud of their victory in the Punic wars and the destruction of Carthage - patriotism helps unification after civil wars

Aeneas lands in North Africa - perhaps ref to Egypt and Actium

the emphasis on building a new city will perhaps recall how Augustus is rebuilding Rome

Question 135

what references are there to Augustus in Book 2

Answer 135

references to infiltration of the Greeks into Troy may imply similarity to the way Greek customs have entered Rome - Augustus wants to return to traditional Roman values

Aeneas is told to take the gods of Troy with him - Augustus wanted to use the gods and religion to remind citizens of traditional Roman religion and values

Question 136

what references are there to Augustus in Book 4

Answer 136

Aeneas is likened to Apollo - Augustus’ patron god was Apollo - he built a temple to Apollo in 28 BC next to his house on the Palatine

Question 137

what references are there to Augustus in Book 6

Answer 137

Aeneas vows to build a temple of solid marble to Phoebus Apollo - as Augustus had just done

the mouths of the Nile is a reference to Augustus’ victory over Antony in Egypt

Anchises says that the task of the Romans is to govern the peoples of the world with their empire - an endorsement of Augustus’ power

great prominence is given to Marcellus because he is a favourite nephew and heir of Augustus

Question 138

what references are there to Augustus in Book 7

Answer 138

the naming of particular places emphasises roots and encourages the peoples in italy after the civil wars to see themselves as united by common ancestors

the image of two-faced Janus is anachronistic - but included as a reminder of Augustus’ closing the gates of the temple to symbolise peace

the reference to prows of ships nailed to the posts of temple doors is perhaps a reminder of Augustus’ victory in the naval battle at Actium

Question 139

what references are there to Augustus in Book 8

Answer 139

Book 8 is set on the site of future Rome

the simplicity of the palace of Evander suggests the simplicity of Augustus’ house on the Palatine

the worship of Hercules and festival in thanks for the deliverance of Rome from a monster is thought to be a refence to Augustus delivering Rome from Antony and Cleopatra

Question 140

what references are there to Augustus in Book 9

Answer 140

There are no obvious references to Augustus though the fact that Ascanius get his warning about moderation from Apollo could be significant given that Apollo is Augustus’ patron god

Question 141

what references are there to Augustus in Book 10

Answer 141

There are no direct references to Augustus but Aeneas display of furor could be a refence to violent actions that are sometimes unavoidable in war

Pallas could be a link to Augustus’ nephew Marcellus - the young man who died before fulfilling his potential

the strong father/son portraits may help to reinforce Augustus’ family laws

Question 142

what references are there to Augustus in Book 11

Answer 142

There are no obvious references to Augustus

The funeral of Pallas is described in terms of a Roman state funeral and may be an allusion to the funeral of Marcellus

Question 143

what references are there to Augustus in Book 12

Answer 143

Jupiter and Juno establish the nature of the new race

the references to the Latin language, kings living on from generation to generation, manly courage and worshipping the gods are all in line with his vision of Rome under the Augustan peace

Question 144

how does Jupiter’s speech to Venus in Book 1 promote the Roman empire

Answer 144

All the phrases used which refer to the size of the empire

Question 145

how does the procession of heroes promote the Roman empire

Answer 145

Book 6

The procession is composed of famous heroes - it is interesting to see why Virgil chose these particular examples

their qualities reflect those which Augustus is promoting

Question 146

what was the Ara Pacis

Answer 146

an altar commissioned by Augustus in 13 BC

It depicts the figures of Rome and Peace, processions and religious rituals and scenes from Rome’s history, including a figure thought by some to be Aeneas sacrificing piglets

Question 147

what was the relevance to Augustus of Silvius in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 147

Son of Aeneas

Question 148

what was the relevance to Augustus of Silvius Aeneas in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 148

awarded oak wreathes and Civic crowns - like Augustus

Question 149

what was the relevance to Augustus of Romulus in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 149

Gave name to Rome

His name is next to that of Augustus

Question 150

what was the relevance to Augustus of Numa (king with white beard) in the Catalogue of heroes

Answer 150

Gave Rome laws - good to be associated with him

Augustus too has brought law and order

Question 151

what was the relevance to Augustus of Brutus in the Catalogue of heroes

Answer 151

Ancestor of Brutus, the murderer of Caesar

Augustus killed Brutus at the Battle of Philippi and so avenged Caesar

Question 152

what was the relevance to Augustus of Drusi in the Catalogue of heroes

Answer 152

Ancestors of his wife, Livia

Question 153

what was the relevance to Augustus of Pompey and Caesar in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 153

good to remind people how bad the civil wars were a- and how Augustus has brought peace

Pompey was Caesar’s enemy

Question 154

what was the relevance to Augustus of the Conquerors of Greece in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 154

Augustan Rome was to be a new Athens in its cultural life

Question 155

what was the relevance to Augustus of Cato in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 155

strict and traditional

good role model

Question 156

what was the relevance to Augustus of Gracchi in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 156

were pro the people as Augustus wants to appear

Question 157

what was the relevance to Augustus of Scipio in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 157

Conqueror of Carthage, a hero

Question 158

what was the relevance to Augustus of Fabricius in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 158

Incorruptible, despised luxury

Question 159

what was the relevance to Augustus of Serranus in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 159

a farmer and farming is to be encouraged

Question 160

what was the relevance to Augustus of Marcellus in the catalogue of heroes

Answer 160

Ancestor of his nephew Marcellus

Question 161

explain the significance of the shield

Answer 161

in book 8 Aeneas is presented with a shield made for him by Vulcan at his mother’s Venus’ request

the idea of a hero being presented with a shield comes form the Iliad - but it is also likely that the description in the Aeneid would have reminded people of a golden shield that had been presented to Augustus and placed in the Senate house

is a key example of praise for Augustus and Rome

on the shield there are images that carry connotations

Augustus - good

Antony - evil

Roman legend

good historical roman figures

bad historical roman figures