Glossary
Aeneid Book VI
A pivotal book in Vergil's epic poem, where Aeneas journeys to the Underworld and receives a prophecy about Rome's future from his father, Anchises.
Example:
Students often analyze Aeneid Book VI to understand Vergil's political message and the Roman concept of destiny.
Anaphora
A rhetorical device involving the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines for emphasis.
Example:
In the lament for Marcellus, the repeated 'heu' ('alas') is a powerful example of anaphora, intensifying the sense of grief.
Anchises's Prophecy
The foretelling by Aeneas's father, Anchises, in the Underworld, detailing the future glory of Rome, its heroes, and its defining virtues.
Example:
Anchises's prophecy reveals Vergil's vision for Rome's destiny, emphasizing its military and governing strengths over Greek artistic pursuits.
Carthage
A powerful ancient city-state located in modern-day Tunisia, Rome's primary rival during the Punic Wars.
Example:
Hannibal Barca, a famous general from Carthage, posed a significant threat to Rome during the Second Punic War.
Claudius Marcellus (Marcellus the Elder)
A Roman general and five-time consul, celebrated for his military achievements, particularly for earning the *spolia opima* during the Second Punic War.
Example:
Claudius Marcellus was a prime example of Roman military virtue, earning the highest honor for defeating an enemy leader in single combat.
Greek Ideals (contrast with Roman)
Refers to the traditional Greek emphasis on achievements in arts, philosophy, and sciences, which Vergil contrasts with Rome's focus on military power and governance.
Example:
Vergil's text subtly contrasts Greek ideals of artistic excellence with the Roman destiny of military and administrative dominance.
Hyperbole
A rhetorical device involving extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally.
Example:
Describing a warrior as so strong that 'no one might have attacked him safely' could be seen as hyperbole, emphasizing his formidable nature.
Marcellus the Younger
The nephew and adopted son of Emperor Augustus, whose early death was a great tragedy for Rome and is lamented by Anchises in the *Aeneid*.
Example:
Vergil's poignant lament for Marcellus the Younger underscores themes of fate, loss, and unfulfilled potential within the Roman narrative.
Pietas
A fundamental Roman virtue encompassing duty, devotion, and loyalty towards gods, family, and country.
Example:
Aeneas himself is often called 'pious Aeneas' because his actions consistently demonstrate pietas towards his destiny and his people.
Punic Wars
A series of three major conflicts between Rome and Carthage (264-146 BC) for dominance over the Mediterranean world.
Example:
The Punic Wars were pivotal in establishing Rome as the dominant power in the ancient world, leading to significant territorial expansion.
Rebellious Gauls
Refers to Gallic tribes who often resisted Roman expansion and, in the context of the Punic Wars, allied with Carthage against Rome.
Example:
The rebellious Gauls were a persistent challenge to Roman authority, sometimes fighting alongside Rome's enemies like Hannibal.
Roman Governance
The Roman emphasis on establishing and maintaining order, law, and effective administration over conquered territories and their own populace.
Example:
Anchises foretells that Romans will 'command the nations with your power,' highlighting their future mastery of Roman governance.
Roman Military Prowess
The emphasis on military strength, strategic skill, and martial achievement as a core value and defining characteristic of the Roman people.
Example:
Anchises's vision highlights Roman military prowess as a key differentiator from Greek cultural achievements.
Spolia Opima
The most prestigious military honor in ancient Rome, awarded to a general who personally killed an enemy commander in single combat.
Example:
Earning the spolia opima was incredibly rare, signifying unparalleled individual bravery and military skill, as demonstrated by Marcellus.