Aeneid

Book Club

Book Club | August 2017: Virgil Aeneid 11 & 12

…Latinus himself was amazed at these mighty men, born at opposite ends of the world, meeting and deciding the outcome with their swords. As soon as the field was clear on the open plain, they both dashed quickly forward, hurling their spears first from a distance, rushing, with shield and ringing bronze, to battle. The earth groaned: they redoubled their intense sword-strokes, chance and skill mingled together. (Aeneid 12.707–714, translated… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | July 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 9 & 10

While thus in distant region moves the war, down to bold Turnus Saturn’s daughter sends celestial Iris. In a sacred vale, the seat of worship at his grandsire’s tomb, Pilumnus, Faunus’ son, the hero mused. And thus the wonder-child of Thaumas called with lips of rose: (Aeneid 9.1–7  translated by Theodore C.Williams) In previous Book Club discussions we have read Virgil’s Aeneid Books 1–8, which covered the fall of Troy, the escape… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | June 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 7 & 8

Now had the flaming sun attained his way to the mid-sphere of heaven, when they discerned walls and a citadel in distant view, with houses few and far between; ‘t was there, where sovran Rome to-day has rivalled Heaven, Evander’s realm its slender strength displayed: swiftly they turned their prows and neared the town. (Aeneid 8.95–101, translated by A.S. Kline) In previous Book Club discussions we have read Virgil’s Aeneid Books 1–6,… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | May 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 5 & 6

Follow the handsome advice that old Nautus gives: take chosen youth, and the bravest hearts, to Italy. In Latium you must subdue a tough race, harshly trained. Yet, first, go to the infernal halls of Dis, and in deep Avernus seek a meeting with me, my son. For impious Tartarus, with its sad shades, does not hold me, I live in Elysium, and the lovely gatherings of the blessed. Here… Read more

Visiting Scholars

Open House | Virgil’s Aeneid 4 and 6, with Gregory Nagy

We were excited to welcome back Gregory Nagy of Harvard University, Francis Jones Professor of Classical Greek Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature and the Director of the Center for Hellenic Studies, Washington, DC. The topic of the discussion is Virgil’s Aeneid, Book 4 and Book 6. You can view the event down below or on our YouTube channel. Mentioned in the discussion: Fontaine, Michael. “Aeneas in Palestine” Eidolon. 2015.04.27… Read more