Focusing on the historical and political background in which the Aeneid was written (the civil war & Augustus), the literary techniques within the epic and its composition, and the religious, social and cultural context to help enable your understanding
Event Consequences Aeneid references
264-164 BC – Punic wars Punic wars dominate roman Dido’s curse
Wars against Carthaginians, foreign affairs Fabius the delayer fought Hannibal
including the defeat of Hannibal Romans aware of problems in east Scipio the elder defeated Hannibal
but not very active until about 200 in 202 BC
146 BC – Carthage destroyed BC Scipio the younger destroyed
Carthage in 146 BC
214-146 BC – Macedonian wars Wealth flows into Rome from Descriptions of rich possessions
Start with Rome supporting treasures seized in wars & taxes and décor of Trojans and
Greece against Macedonia – end imposed on conquered countries Carthaginians compared to
with Rome conquering Greece and New customs, literature & simplicity of Evander’s lifestyle
destroying Corinth philosophy spread Mummius sacked Corinth
Claims that wealth and luxury are
undermining traditional roman
values
Gap between rich governing
classes and poor increases
Instability amongst rulers
Oligarchic equality acquires cracks
and fissures
Large areas of land are bought by
rich & farmed by slaves
Returning soldiers and poor
farmers move to cities
Overcrowding
Weaking of patriarchal units
133 BC – civil unrest in Rome Tiberius Gracchus attempts
Hundreds killed, veterans reforms but they are defeated
unhappy, senate wants more wars
& money and not concerned with
the welfare of the state
123 BC – Gaius Gracchus’ reforms After land reforms: some increase ‘who would we be without the
in small farms but still problems Gracchi?’ – book 6
with land, tribunes have more Mentioned since they
power to protect the poor, public promoted the role of the tribune,
assemblies have power the supporter of the people – role
Senate less powerful that Augustus was pleased to hold
Overseas colonies set up to
alleviate crowded conditions
Corn dole set up for citizens
Equites have more power
Failed attempts to extend
citizenship to Latin allies & Latin
status to Italian allies
119-78 BC – civil war between Establish that a man with an army
Marius and Sulla behind him can march on Rome &
intimidate the senate
63 BC – Catiline plots to overthrow Caesar becomes dictator for life Catiline on shield
Rome Some politicians want a return to Caesar and Pompey in book 6
Cicero speaks against him in the the republic – others realise that a pageant
senate – Catiline is killed new system is needed to rule an Caesar is Octavian (Augustus’)
empire great uncle and adoptive father
B0 BC – first triumvirate rule
together
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