Romans: The Aeneid
Vergil’s epic, and the Roman poets
ROMANS: THE AENEID unpacks one the greatest classics of the West, the Aeneid of Vergil, whose impact profoundly influenced both Roman society and medieval Christianity. Wesley Callihan guides the student through the plot, poetic devices, background, philosophy, history, and aesthetics of the poem, as well as its lasting influence on Western culture and civilization. He then briefly turns to the Roman epics of Ovid, Lucretius, Lucan, and Statius.
Twelve lectures, seven hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Introduction to The RomansFree37 min
- 2Introduction to the Aeneid32 min
- 3Rome is an Idea36 min
- 4The Fall of Troy and The Wanderings of Aeneas41 min
- 5The Tragedy of Dido35 min
- 6The Underworld36 min
- 7The Broken Truce and the Shield of Aeneas28 min
- 8The Tragedy of Nisus and Euryalos27 min
- 9Camilla, Juno's Surrender, and the Death of Turnus32 min
- 10Metamorphoses I37 min
- 11Metamorphoses II50 min
- 12The Epics of Lucretius, Lucan, and Statius37 min
Lecture 1 · Introduction to The Romans · 37 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- VergilAeneid
- OvidMetamorphoses
- Lucretius, Lucan, Statiusfrom the other Roman epics
Every assigned text is in the Aeneid Reader (Vol. 5), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
The Aeneid
682 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is The Aeneid right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Romans: The Aeneid
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.