Caesar used The Aeneid, an account of the adventures of Aeneas on his way to discover his fate, as a form of propaganda to his beliefs and policies. In the story, Aeneas fights many battles against Turnus, who does not want Aeneas and the remaining people of Troy to take over his land. The final battle scene ends as Aeneas stands over a defeated Turnus, trying to make the decision of whether to let Turnus live or kill him on the spot. Aeneas kills him.
What does this have to do with Caesar?
Caesar is said to have been the descendant of Aeneas in the Aeneid. Caesar also wanted to build an empire, to spread his influence as far and wide as it can go. What better way to talk the Romans into supporting him than to appeal to their religious beliefs? He formulated a story where the hero conquered distant lands under the guide and support of the gods. How could the Romans argue with the gods wishes, and the power of fate?
One thing that I found interesting was that, for the first time, Venus was presented as a compassionate and loving mother. In most stories, she is portrayed as vengeful, and jealous. However, in the Aeneid she protects her son Aeneas and looks out for him along the way. This also gives the impression that, because Caesar is said to be a descendant of Aeneas, he is a relative of Venus, and she will look protect him also.
What does this have to do with Caesar?
Caesar is said to have been the descendant of Aeneas in the Aeneid. Caesar also wanted to build an empire, to spread his influence as far and wide as it can go. What better way to talk the Romans into supporting him than to appeal to their religious beliefs? He formulated a story where the hero conquered distant lands under the guide and support of the gods. How could the Romans argue with the gods wishes, and the power of fate?
One thing that I found interesting was that, for the first time, Venus was presented as a compassionate and loving mother. In most stories, she is portrayed as vengeful, and jealous. However, in the Aeneid she protects her son Aeneas and looks out for him along the way. This also gives the impression that, because Caesar is said to be a descendant of Aeneas, he is a relative of Venus, and she will look protect him also.