[i-nee-uh
s] 
| a Trojan hero, the reputed ancestor of the Romans: protagonist of the Aeneid. |
| Ae·ne·as (ĭ-nē'əs) n. Greek & Roman Mythology The Trojan hero of Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, and son of Anchises and Aphrodite. He escaped the sack of Troy and wandered for seven years before settling in Italy. |
A famous warrior of classical mythology; a leader in the Trojan War on the Trojan side. After the fall of Troy, Aeneas fled with his father and son and was shipwrecked at Carthage in northern Africa. There Dido, the queen of Carthage, fell in love with him and ultimately committed suicide when she realized that Aeneas could not stay with her forever. After many trials, Aeneas arrived in what is now Italy. The ancient Romans believed that they were descended from the followers of Aeneas.
Note: Aeneas is the hero of the Aeneid of Virgil.
Note: Because he carried his elderly father out of the ruined Troy on his back, Aeneas represents filial devotion and duty.
Note: The doomed love of Aeneas and Dido has been a source for artistic creation since ancient times.
