Ancient History 101

Virgil's Aeneid

Ancient History 101

Show Notes

The Aeneid - often mocked as a cheap Latin knock-off of Homer - is revealed in this episode to be a cleverly composed homage with its own purpose which, for a time, eclipsed Homer in popularity. Aven McMaster joins Alexandra to talk about the creation of the Aeneid, its content, and the crucial context of Virgil's understanding of Augustan Rome, which colours every line he wrote. If you've been hesitant to dive into the Aeneid, this is the perfect introduction you need before cracking open that book! Aven recommends the following translations: Scott McGill and Susannah Wright - available here in the UK and here in the US Sarah Ruden - available here in the UK and here in the US Shadi Bartsch - available here in the UK Robert Fagles - available here in the UK and here in the US Allen Mandelbaum - available here in the US (the podcast receives a commission from every purchase made via these links, as well as supporting independent bookshops.) Find out more about Aven's own podcast here. Make sure to click ‘subscribe’ so that you never miss an episode of Ancient History 101; we have a new topic every Wednesday! Find Ancient History 101 on social media and our website, where you can learn more about our expert guests. We have merch available at our RedBubble shop, or you can help support the podcast by buying history books and translations we’ve hand-chosen for you at our online bookshop in the USA or UK. Or you can buy us a ko-fi! However you choose to support the show, we appreciate it! Ancient History 101 is a proud member of the Mnemosyne Memory Collective

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