#AP Latin Study Guide: Aeneid Book VI, Lines 847-899

Welcome to your ultimate review for the AP Latin exam! Let's dive into these crucial lines from Book VI of the Aeneid. We'll break down the text, explore key themes, and equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to ace the test. Remember, you've got this! 💪

#Overview

These lines from Book VI feature Anchises’s prophecy about the future of Rome, focusing on the skills and virtues that will define the Roman people. It also includes a poignant reflection on the young Marcellus, highlighting themes of fate, loss, and the glory of Rome. We'll be looking at Reading and Comprehension and Argumentation skills in this section.

These lines are crucial for understanding Vergil's vision of Rome and its destiny. They combine historical context with thematic depth, making them a frequent focus of AP questions.

#Lines 854-859: The Glory of Marcellus

Sic pater Anchises, atque haec mirantibus addit: “aspice, ut insignis spoliis Marcellus opimis ingreditur victorque viros supereminet omnes. hic rem Romanam magno turbante tumultu sistet eques, sternet Poenos Gallumque rebellem, tertiaque arma patri suspendet capta Quirino.”

#Key Questions & Answers

1. Based on your knowledge of Roman history and the text, where has Claudius Marcellus shown up before?

   • Answer: Claudius Marcellus was a hero of the Second Punic War. He was elected five times as Roman consul and was a key Roman general. He earned the spolia opima for killing the Gallic military leader King Viridomarus in 222 BC at the Battle of Clastidium. This was a prestigious honor for hand-to-hand combat.

2. Why do you think Marcellus’s military strength is emphasized in these lines?

   • Answer: The emphasis on Marcellus's military strength highlights the Roman values of military prowess and political power. This contrasts with the Greek focus on art and science. Marcellus's dedication and sacrifice in battle serve as an example of Roman virtue and the pursuit of military achievement, which is why this ethic should continue if Anchises’s foretelling is correct.

3. Why do you think Anchises described Marcellus as “turbulent with fierce confusion”?

   • Answer: Marcellus the Elder was driven by the need to win wars. The Punic Wars were about expansion and control. The soldiers fought for Rome out of honor, while the benefits went to the wealthy. It was a fight for dominance between Carthage and Rome, and Rome ultimately won. This pattern of war and expansion continued throughout the Roman Empire.

4. What is referred to as the “Supreme Prize” in line 2?

   • Answer: The “Supreme Prize” refers to the spolia opima, the most prestigious award a Roman general could earn.

5. Why are the Gauls referred to as “rebellious” when Carthage is predominantly known for their action in the Punic Wars?

   • Answer: In the Second Punic War, Hannibal Barca used Gallic mercenaries. They were considered “rebellious” because they sided with Carthage against Rome.

#Lines 875-881: Lament for Marcellus the Younger

nec puer Iliaca quisquam de gente Latinos in tantum spe tollet avos, nec Romula quondam ullo se tantum tellus iactabit alumno. heu pietas, heu prisca fides invictaque bello dextera! Non illi se quisquam impune tulisset obvius armato, seu cum pedes iret in hostem seu spumantis equi foderet calcaribus armos.

#Literal Translation

No boy of the line of Ilium shall so exalt his Latin ancestors by his show of promise, nor will Romulus’s land ever take more pride in one of its sons. Alas for virtue, alas for the honor of ancient times, and a hand invincible in war! No one might have attacked him safely when armed, whether he met the enemy on foot, or dug his spurs into the flank of his foaming charger.

#Breakdown of Lines 847-899

• Anchises's Vision of Rome: Anchises shifts from historical events to his vision of the Roman character. He states that while Romans may not excel in arts and sciences like the Greeks, they will master military power and governance. They will "command the nations with your power