Aeneas

Aeneas' Flight from Troy by Federico Barocci

MACEDON, Aineia. Circa 510-480 BC

William Blake Richmond - Venus and Anchises - Google Art Project

Aineias Ankhises Louvre F118

Denier frappé sous César célébrant le mythe d'Enée et d'Anchise

Aeneas is a legendary figure in Roman mythology and literature, most famously depicted in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. Aeneas is considered a hero of Troy, the son of the prince Anchises and the goddess Venus. His story bridges the end of the Trojan War and the founding of the lineage that would lead to the establishment of Rome. Aeneas embodies the Roman virtues of piety, loyalty, and respect for the gods, playing a crucial role in the Roman cultural and mythological identity.

Mythology and Literature

Aeneas' journey from Troy to Italy, where he would become the progenitor of the Roman people, is a central theme in Roman mythology. After the fall of Troy, depicted in the Iliad by Homer, Aeneas escapes the city carrying his father, Anchises, on his back and leading his son, Ascanius (also known as Iulus), by the hand. This image of Aeneas as a devoted son and father has become emblematic of his character.

In the Aeneid

Virgil's Aeneid, written between 29 and 19 BC, is the primary source of the legend of Aeneas. Commissioned by Augustus Caesar, the poem was intended to link the emperor's lineage back to the divine and heroic figures of antiquity, thereby legitimizing his rule and the ascendancy of Rome. In the Aeneid, Aeneas' destiny is to found Rome, but his journey is fraught with divine interventions, both supportive and hostile. The gods, especially Juno, who harbors a grudge against the Trojans, frequently intervene in his voyage.

Aeneas' travels take him to many places around the Mediterranean, including Carthage, where he has a doomed love affair with Dido, the queen of Carthage. Despite his personal desires, Aeneas places his duty to the gods and his destiny above all, leaving Dido to continue his quest to Italy. This act of leaving Dido is often seen as a representation of the sacrifices required to achieve greater goals, a theme that resonates with Roman values of duty and state over personal desires.

Upon reaching Italy, Aeneas engages in battles with local tribes and eventually secures a future for his people, leading to the establishment of the Roman race. His descendants, through his son Ascanius, are said to include Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

Cultural Impact

Aeneas' story has had a profound impact on Roman culture and identity. He is seen as the ideal Roman, embodying the virtues that the society aspired to: piety, duty, and respect for the gods. The tale of Aeneas also served to provide a divine and heroic origin for Rome, linking the city and its leaders to the gods themselves.

Throughout history, Aeneas has been a subject of various artistic and literary works, not only in ancient Rome but also in later European literature and art. His story has been interpreted in different ways, reflecting the values and concerns of different times and places.

Legacy

The legacy of Aeneas extends beyond the mythological and literary realms. He has been a symbol of leadership, duty, and sacrifice. The story of Aeneas, as told by Virgil, has been a cornerstone in the study of Latin literature and Roman culture. It has also influenced the way subsequent generations have thought about the origins and identity of Rome and, by extension, Western civilization.