Aeneid of Virgil (Version 2)

The Aeneid, a monumental Latin epic crafted by Virgil in the 1st century BC, weaves the legendary tale of Aeneas, a Trojan hero on a quest to reach Italy, where he would become the progenitor of the Romans. The first six books chronicle Aeneas’ adventurous journey from the ruins of Troy to his destined homeland, while the latter half depicts the Trojans hard-fought victory in their war against the Latins. Commissioned by Emperor Augustus, this epic not only glorifies Rome but also offers a poignant commentary on the personal sacrifices made for duty, exemplified in Aeneas’ heart-wrenching abandonment of the Carthaginian Queen Dido—an allegory for Augustus’ rival, Mark Antony, and his entanglement with Cleopatra. (Summary by Wikipedia and Karen Merline)