Is the story of Aeneas a myth or history? Actually, it's hagiography. [A worshipful or idealizing biography.] Imperator Augustus hired the poet Virgil to retell the story of the founding of Rome, and asked that he refer to Homer's works. Virgil worked on the epic poem from 30 bce until he died in 19 bce before he was able to visit all the places Aeneas stopped on his journey. Augustus not only left Rome a city of marble, he also left it with a poetic history. Arma virumque cano! Listen to the poem at http://www.rhapsodes.fll.vt.edu/aeneid1.htm .
