The Aeneid

Aeneas is shipwrecked in Africa by Juno's storm. Venus aids him to reach Carthage, where Queen Dido receives him hospitably and falls in love.

Aeneas recounts Troy's fall through treachery of the Trojan Horse and Sinon. He escapes with his father, son, and household gods; his wife Creusa is lost.

Aeneas describes his seven-year voyage seeking Italy, with stops at Thrace, Delos, Crete, Sicily, and encounters with Harpies, the Cyclops, and Helenus's prophecies.

Dido falls deeply in love with Aeneas. After a hunting trip, they consummate their union. Mercury's message forces Aeneas to abandon her, and the heartbroken Dido commits suicide.

Aeneas returns to Sicily to honor his father with funeral games. Women attempt to burn the ships; Jupiter prevents the destruction. Aeneas founds a settlement and continues to Italy.

The Sibyl guides Aeneas through the underworld. Anchises reveals Rome's future destiny and the glorious race of heroes to descend from Aeneas.

Aeneas lands in Latium and seeks peace. King Latinus promises his daughter Lavinia, but Juno incites war through Turnus and other Italic princes.

Aeneas seeks alliance with Evander. Venus provides him divine armor forged by Vulcan, depicting Rome's future. Aeneas views Evander's city on the Tiber.

Turnus attacks the Trojan camp while Aeneas is away. Young Nisus and Euryalus attempt a night raid but are killed. The Trojans defend their fortifications.

A great pitched battle ensues. Aeneas kills numerous foes including Turnus's ally Mezentius. Turnus slays many Trojans but survives the day's combat.

Aeneas arranges funeral rites for the fallen. Turnus proposes single combat. The warrior maiden Camilla fights fiercely but is slain by the treacherous Aruns.

Turnus and Aeneas duel for the kingdom and Lavinia. After a supernatural struggle, Aeneas defeats the wounded Turnus and claims his rightful destiny.