When and where was Virgil born?
Publius Vergilius Maro was born on the 15th of October 70 BC in the village of Andes near Mantua. This region later became part of the Roman province of Cisalpine Gaul.
Common questions about Virgil
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What major works did Virgil write and when were they published?
Virgil composed the Eclogues around 39 or 38 BC, the Georgics between 37 and 29 BC, and the Aeneid from 29 to 19 BC. The Eclogues adapted bucolic styles, the Georgics covered farming methods, and the Aeneid chronicled the journey of Aeneas to found Rome.
How did Virgil die and where is he buried?
Virgil died in Apulia on the 21st of September 19 BC after catching a fever near Megara. His remains were transported to Naples where his tomb is located at the entrance of an ancient Roman tunnel in the district of Piedigrotta.
What is the significance of the fourth eclogue written by Virgil?
The fourth eclogue addressed to Asinius Pollio contains Messianic imagery that predicts the birth of a child to usher in a new era of peace. Ancient scholars and medieval legends interpreted this poem as a prophecy of Christianity.
How was Virgil viewed during the Middle Ages?
Medieval legends attributed miraculous powers and magical abilities to Virgil, including the ability to bring inanimate objects to life. His name became associated with divination practices known as the Sortes Vergilianae and he was viewed as a prophet in Wales under the name Fferyllt.