Western Civ. 1-50:

The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil that is widely considered one of the greatest literary works in Western literature. It tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and his journey to establish a home in Italy. However, the Aeneid is not only a literary masterpiece, but also a work of political propaganda from the Augustan era. Commissioned by Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, it served to legitimize his reign and promote an idealistic vision for the new Empire. This essay explores the basic story of the Aeneid and examines what makes it such a remarkable work of literature. In addition, it must consider how the poem's civic message reflects the ideals of the Augustan settlement, including the emphasis on piety, duty, and the ideal ruler. By understanding the historical context in which The Aeneid was written, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its literary and historical significance.

The Aeneid begins after the Trojan War, with Aeneas and his fellow Trojans fleeing the destroyed city. They embark on a long journey across the Mediterranean seeking their own home. Throughout the journey, they face various trials and tribulations, including run-ins with gods and goddesses, battles with monsters, and unexpected setbacks. Finally, Aeneas and his followers land in Italy, where they face off against the native inhabitants. Aeneas emerges victorious and is ultimately recognized as the rightful ruler of the land. The poem ends with a prophetic vision of Rome's future, portraying Aeneas as a crucial figure in the city's founding.

To truly understand the Aeneid, it is crucial to both acknowledge its impressive plot and its role as political propaganda. Written during the Augustan settlement, the emperor sought to cement his reign and legitimize the balance of power in the Roman government. Following years of civil war and political turmoil, the poem aimed to re-establish a sense of national pride and unity among the people. Through Aeneas's journey, Virgil crafted a narrative of a hero seeking his new home and bringing peace and prosperity to the land. This message reflects Augustus's desire to create a more stable, prosperous Rome after years of chaos. All throughout, Octavian is cast as the new Aneas. Even the trials and tribulations he faces are meant to reflect the epic life story of his acclaimed descendant.

Aeneas's selflessness is also evident in his commitment to fulfilling his mission, even when it requires personal sacrifice. He is willing to endure physical pain, emotional trauma, and spiritual struggle to fulfill his destiny and establish the Romans in their own home. This portrayal of Aeneas as a dedicated, resolute leader was correlted with Augustus' own commitment to his vision for Rome. It mirrors the Roman journey and search for an empire abroad. Like Aeneas, Augustus was determined to endure hardships and challenges to achieve his goals. Unwavering commitment to his mission symbolizes the Roman people's resolve to overcome their challenges.

Moreover, Aeneas's portrayal as a virtuous leader highlights the importance of duty and loyalty in Roman society. Aeneas's loyalty to his mission and his people is a key element of his character. It is through this loyalty that he overcomes the many obstacles he faces on his journey. This emphasis on loyalty and duty was a significant part of Augustus' vision for a new Rome that was unified and strong. By emphasizing loyalty and duty, Augustus encouraged the Roman people to put the community's needs above their own desires. In this way, the Aeneid served as a powerful tool for political propaganda. It promoted the values Augustus believed were essential to his regime's success.

The character of Aeneas in The Aeneid is not only a reflection of Augustus' ideals of virtuous leadership. It also presents Augustus himself as the successor to Aeneas. Just as Aeneas was a selfless leader who put the needs of his people above his own desires, Augustus claimed to be a leader who only sought the good of the Roman people above all. This message is further reinforced through artistic depictions of Augustus, such as the statue 'Augustus of Prima Porta'. In this statue, Augustus is portrayed as a heroic figure, wearing armor and standing with one arm raised. This suggests that he is an outstanding warrior and leader. The figure of Cupid at his feet, holding a dolphin, represents Augustus' divine lineage. The depiction of Aeneas in his armor refers to the idea that Augustus is the new Aeneas leading Rome into the next era of greatness. Through both literature and art, Augustus interpreted Virgil's story to legitimize his own rule. Overall, he presented himself as a leader worthy of the Roman people's admiration and loyalty.

In summary, Virgil's The Aeneid is an epic poem that combines literary excellence with political propaganda. It tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who overcomes great struggles in pursuit of his people's destiny. In doing so, it reflects the political message of the Augustan settlement. The poem legitimized Augustus's reign and presented him as a worthy ruler of Rome. By portraying Aeneas as a virtuous and selfless leader, the poem sought to create a sense of national pride and unity among Rome's people. The Aeneid's legacy extends beyond it's own time; it is a seminal work in western literature even up to the modern day. As the key work in epic Latin poetry, it helped shape Rome's image as an impressive empire. Despite any alternitive motives is essential to recognize the poem's historical influence and significant contribution to Rome's legacy.