Virgil, Aenid Quotes

A collection of quotes by Virgil, Aenid.

Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly known as Virgil, was an ancient Roman poet born on October 15, 70 BCE, in a small village near Mantua, Italy. Renowned as one of the greatest poets in Latin literature, Virgil is most famous for his epic poem, the Aeneid.

Virgil began his studies in Cremona before moving to Milan and later studying in Rome. He gained recognition for his poetry early on, catching the attention of influential patrons who supported his writing. His most famous patron was Maecenas, a trusted advisor of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.

The Aeneid, Virgil's magnum opus, is an epic poem comprising 12 books. Inspired by the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, the Aeneid recounts the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who fled the destruction of Troy and embarked on a treacherous journey to found a new city that would eventually become Rome. The poem explores themes of destiny, heroism, and the founding of Rome, while also incorporating elements of Roman mythology and history.

Unfortunately, Virgil did not live to finish the Aeneid. He died on September 21, 19 BCE, in Brindisi, Italy. He requested that the unfinished poem be burned after his death, but his wishes were disregarded by Emperor Augustus, who recognized its literary importance. The Aeneid was subsequently published and became a cornerstone of Roman literature and a significant influence on Western literature for centuries to come.