Written by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BCE, The Aeneid is a monumental epic that weaves together mythology, history, and political propaganda to celebrate the origins of the Roman Empire. The poem follows Aeneas, a Trojan hero and son of the goddess Venus, as he escapes the fall of Troy and undertakes a perilous voyage to fulfill his destiny in Italy. Along the way, Aeneas encounters love and tragedy with Queen Dido of Carthage, faces divine opposition and mortal enemies, and ultimately fights to establish the foundation of what will become Rome. Revered for its lyrical beauty, narrative power, and exploration of duty, fate, and sacrifice, The Aeneid has influenced Western storytelling for over two millennia and remains essential reading for lovers of classical literature.
