When and where was Virgil born?
In 70BC in Northern Italy with the Transpadani people
What was Virgil’s background?
Brought up in the countryside with a pastoral farming background
When did Caesar grant the Transpadani people Roman citizenship?
49 BC
When did Virgil die?
19 BC
What was Virgil’s issue with the Aeneid?
Due to his perfectionist writing style he liked to revise his work multiple times before publication which he had not gotten to do before he was on his death bed
What happened to the Aeneid when Virgil died?
On his death bed, Virgil said he wanted to the poem burnt as it was unfinished however Augustus overrode this and published it anyway.
What were Virgil’s other works?
Eclogues and Georgics- both pastoral poetry on farm life
Who was Virgil’s patron?
Maecenas
Why did Virgil sometimes question Augustus’ rule?
Virgil was politically educated previously (spent time in the courts) and had moved to study in Rome where he witnessed Caesar and then Augustus’ rise to power in real time.
Why did Virgil have some allegiance to Augustus?
Augustus had restored his father’s farm after it had been given away to a soldier.
What is Pax Romana?
Roman Peace- Romans had undergone decades of civil war and was relieved when Augustus presented them with peace.
Who were the Praetorian Guards?
The emperor’s personal guards who were an elite section of the military.
What were all of Augustus’ titles?
Divi Filius
Imperator
Pontifex Maximus
Augustus
Paterpatriae
Princeps (this title allowed him sole rule without being a dictator: meaning ‘first citizen’).
Who is Aeneas considered to be a representation of?
Augustus
What is Auctoritas?
Power through authority and reputation
What is Potestas?
Power through politics, like titles
