As the most widely read Roman poem in antiquity, the Aeneid was indelibly burned into the memories of generations of Roman school children. In her new book, Yasmin Syed analyzes the formative influence the poem exerted on its broad audience of educated Romans. Syed analyzes Roman pedagogy and reading practices as well as ancient beliefs about the powerful influence of poetry. Her study considers these cultural components together with the aspects of identity that define the Aeneid's characters. By doing so, Syed shows how Vergil's ancient audiences saw themselves-their experiences, goals, and values-reflected in the poem and guided by it. In particular, Syed's treatment of gender and ethnicity brings to light the key role of Vergil's poem in the formation of Romanity.

About the Author
Yasmin Syed is Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of California, Berkeley.


Book Information
ISBN 9780472039166
Author Yasmin Syed
Format Paperback
Page Count 292
Imprint The University of Michigan Press
Publisher The University of Michigan Press
Weight(grams) 363g