Location

University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia

Document Type

Paper

Description

For centuries many scholars have identified the Aeneid as a piece of propaganda designed to help legitimize the regime of Augustus Caesar. However, this analysis finds that there is an important subtext in the piece through which Virgil criticizes the Emperor. By analyzing the direct and indirect references to Augustus and potential commentary behind those references, it becomes clear the Virgil opposed many of Augustus' actions, longing for a return to the principles and governance of the Roman Republic and seeking to remind the readers of the glory of the Republic through his commentary in the piece.

Comments

Department: Classical Studies

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dean Simpson

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Eulogy for the Republic: Virgil's Anti-Augustan Longing for the Roman Republic in the Aeneid

University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia

For centuries many scholars have identified the Aeneid as a piece of propaganda designed to help legitimize the regime of Augustus Caesar. However, this analysis finds that there is an important subtext in the piece through which Virgil criticizes the Emperor. By analyzing the direct and indirect references to Augustus and potential commentary behind those references, it becomes clear the Virgil opposed many of Augustus' actions, longing for a return to the principles and governance of the Roman Republic and seeking to remind the readers of the glory of the Republic through his commentary in the piece.