The Aeneid

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The episode opens with a passage from the Aeneid translated by Robert Fagles, describing the fall of Troy as recounted by Aeneas to Dido, and later discusses Dido's curse as the mythological origin of the enmity between Rome and Carthage.

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Mentioned as 'Virgil's great poem' in the context of discussing Dido, the legendary founder of Carthage, who is equated with Cleopatra in the work.

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Referenced as the work that enshrined the legend of the founding of Carthage, describing Aeneas meeting Dido.

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Referenced as 'the great poem that is written by Virgil to celebrate the origins of Rome' - quoted regarding Saturn's role in bringing civilization to Rome

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The main subject of discussion in the episode. Described as 'the great Roman epic' and 'the foundational text of European literature.' The hosts discuss how Virgil tells the story of Dido and Aeneas, and how this portrayal differs from earlier traditions about the legendary founder of Carthage.

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Described as 'the great epic of Roman beginnings' and discussed in detail regarding the story of Aeneas and Dido, which Tom explains makes play with the story of Antony and Cleopatra

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Mentioned in the context of Augustus celebrating his emergence as Caesar by sponsoring Virgil to write this work, compared to how the Flavians patronized Josephus

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Mary Beard is quoted as saying that since Virgil laid down his pen, there hasn't been a day when someone hasn't read the Aeneid