OCR H408/11 · A Level Classical Civilisation

Virgil's Aeneid

Follow Aeneas's epic journey from the ruins of Troy to the founding of Rome — a meditation on duty, destiny, and the cost of empire. Eight topics spanning all prescribed books and the Augustan context.

At a Glance
8
Topics
40
Lessons
10
Prescribed Books
100%
OCR Coverage
Course Topics
Topic 1
Introduction to the Aeneid
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1The whole narrative — story summary Lesson 2Virgil and the literary tradition Lesson 3Homeric influence Lesson 4Epic structure and composition Lesson 5Key literary techniques
Topic 2
Books 1 & 2 — Flight from Troy
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 1 in detail Lesson 2Book 2 in detail Lesson 3Key themes: pietas, fate, destiny Lesson 4Characters: Aeneas, Dido, Juno Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 1 & 2
Topic 3
Book 4 — The Tragedy of Dido
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 4 in detail Lesson 2Dido's characterisation Lesson 3Love vs duty: pietas vs furor Lesson 4Relationships between men and women Lesson 5Literary techniques in Book 4
Topic 4
Book 6 — The Underworld
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 6 in detail Lesson 2The parade of heroes and Rome's destiny Lesson 3Role of fate and destiny Lesson 4The immortals and mortal–immortal relationships Lesson 5Literary techniques in Book 6
Topic 5
Books 7 & 8 — War in Italy Begins
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 7 in detail Lesson 2Book 8 in detail Lesson 3Portrayal of different nations Lesson 4The Shield of Aeneas and Roman destiny Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 7 & 8
Topic 6
Books 9 & 10 — War Intensifies
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 9: Nisus and Euryalus Lesson 2Book 10: Pallas, Lausus, Mezentius Lesson 3Portrayal of war Lesson 4Family and friendship Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 9 & 10
Topic 7
Books 11 & 12 — Resolution
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 11 in detail Lesson 2Book 12 in detail Lesson 3Aeneas vs Turnus: concepts of a hero Lesson 4Pietas vs furor — the epic's conclusion Lesson 5Women in the Aeneid: Camilla, Lavinia, Amata
Topic 8
Augustan Context
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1The civil war and political background Lesson 2Augustus' rise to power Lesson 3Virgil's relationship to Augustus Lesson 4Promotion of the Roman Empire Lesson 5Modern interpretations of the Aeneid
All things Classics, in one place — by Lawrence McNally