15.3 The foundation of Rome and imperial ideology

The Aeneid weaves together Rome's mythical origins and imperial ambitions. Virgil connects the city's founding to Trojan hero Aeneas, establishing a divine lineage for Rome and the Julian clan. This epic tale serves as powerful propaganda for Augustus' regime.

Virgil promotes Roman exceptionalism and the idea of manifest destiny. The Aeneid portrays Rome as a chosen civilization with a divine mandate to rule and bring peace to the world. This ideology justifies imperial expansion and reinforces Roman cultural superiority.

Mythical Origins and Trojan Heritage

Aeneas' Journey and the Founding of Rome

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• Virgil draws upon mythical origins of Rome, connecting the city's founding to the Trojan hero Aeneas
• Aeneas, a survivor of the Trojan War, embarks on a journey to establish a new homeland for his people (Latium)
• Aeneas' journey parallels the struggles and triumphs of Rome itself, highlighting the city's divine origins and destiny
• Aeneas ultimately founds the city of Lavinium, which later gives rise to Alba Longa and, eventually, Rome

Trojan Heritage and Roman Identity

• The Trojan heritage becomes a central aspect of Roman identity, linking the Romans to a noble and ancient lineage
• Virgil emphasizes the Trojan roots of the Romans, portraying them as descendants of the brave and pious Aeneas
• The connection to Troy serves to legitimize Roman rule and establish a sense of cultural superiority
• The Trojan heritage also provides a foundation for the Romans' claim to greatness and their expansionist ambitions

The Julian Clan and Divine Ancestry

• Virgil specifically ties the Julian clan, the family of Augustus, to the Trojan hero Aeneas
• The Julian clan is presented as descendants of Aeneas' son, Ascanius (also known as Iulus), establishing a divine ancestry
• By linking the Julian clan to Aeneas, Virgil reinforces Augustus' right to rule and his status as a divinely ordained leader
• The connection to Aeneas and the gods (Venus) elevates the Julian clan above other Roman families and solidifies their political authority

Augustan Propaganda and Roman Exceptionalism

Virgil's Epic as Augustan Propaganda

• The Aeneid serves as a powerful tool of Augustan propaganda, promoting the values and ideals of Augustus' regime
• Virgil portrays Augustus as the fulfillment of Rome's destiny, a leader who will bring peace, prosperity, and a new Golden Age
• The epic celebrates Augustus' achievements, such as his victory at Actium and his role in restoring stability to Rome
• Through the Aeneid, Virgil helps to legitimize Augustus' rule and garner public support for his political and social reforms

Roman Exceptionalism and Superiority

• Virgil promotes the idea of Roman exceptionalism, presenting Rome as a unique and superior civilization
• The Romans are depicted as a chosen people, destined to rule over others and bring order to the world
• Virgil highlights Roman virtues such as pietas (duty), virtus (valor), and clementia (mercy), setting them apart from other nations
• The Aeneid reinforces the notion that Rome has a divine mandate to govern and civilize other peoples

Patriotism and National Identity

• The Aeneid fosters a strong sense of patriotism and national identity among the Romans
• Virgil celebrates Roman history, culture, and achievements, instilling pride in the Roman people
• The epic encourages Romans to embrace their shared heritage and to work together towards a common purpose
• Virgil's work helps to unify the Roman people under Augustus' leadership and to create a cohesive national identity

The Promise of a Golden Age

• Virgil presents Augustus' reign as the dawn of a new Golden Age for Rome
• The Golden Age is characterized by peace, prosperity, and a return to traditional Roman values
• Virgil suggests that under Augustus' rule, Rome will experience a period of unprecedented growth and stability
• The promise of a Golden Age serves to inspire hope and confidence in Augustus' leadership and in Rome's future

Imperial Ideology and Expansion

Pax Romana and the Establishment of Peace

• The Aeneid reflects the concept of Pax Romana, the period of relative peace and stability under Augustus' rule
• Virgil portrays Augustus as a bringer of peace, who ends the civil wars and establishes a new era of harmony
• The epic suggests that Rome's destiny is to establish peace and order throughout the world
• The Pax Romana is presented as a necessary condition for Rome's growth and prosperity

Manifest Destiny and the Right to Rule

• Virgil promotes the idea of manifest destiny, suggesting that Rome has a divine right to rule over other nations
• The Aeneid presents Rome's expansion as a fulfillment of the gods' will and a realization of the city's inherent greatness
• Virgil justifies Roman imperialism by portraying it as a noble and necessary endeavor
• The concept of manifest destiny helps to legitimize Rome's territorial conquests and its dominion over other peoples

The Civilizing Mission and Cultural Superiority

• The Aeneid reflects the Roman belief in their civilizing mission, the idea that they have a duty to spread their culture and values to other nations
• Virgil portrays the Romans as culturally superior, with a responsibility to uplift and enlighten other peoples
• The epic suggests that by conquering and governing other lands, Rome is bringing the benefits of its civilization to the world
• The civilizing mission serves to justify Roman imperialism and to reinforce the idea of Roman exceptionalism

Imperium sine fine: Empire Without End

• Virgil introduces the concept of imperium sine fine, the idea that Rome's empire has no boundaries or limits
• The Aeneid suggests that Rome's destiny is to expand its territory and influence indefinitely
• Virgil portrays Rome's empire as a source of stability and order in a chaotic world
• The notion of an endless empire reflects the Romans' confidence in their ability to govern and their belief in their own superiority