HIST 10 World Civilizations to 1500
Lect. #9 

I. What is a Hero?
        - Heroes ©
        - Chesley Sullenberger III
        - Bertolt Brecht: "Fortunate is the land that needs no heroes"
        - Mythic heroes - Hercules
        - Herman the Cheruscan (Arminius) - 9 AD

II. Aeneas & The Aeneid    
      A. Virgil (b. 70 BCE - 19 BCE)
                1.Classical poet
                            • Bucolics (Eclogues)
                            • Georgics
                            • Aeneid

      B. Aeneid
                1. Augustus (Octavian)
                2. Glorify Rome's past
      C. Aeneas
                1. Julii
                2. Glorify Rome's past
                3. Aeneid = defining epic of Rome
                            • Rome's founding myth
                            • Augustus as the natural culmination of Roman history
                4. Narrative [map]
                            • Aeneas in Troy (Greece)
                            • Flees by sea (with aid of gods)
                            • Storms
                            • Carthage (North Africa)
                                   - Dido
                                   - Presages Punic Wars       
                            • Latium (Italian Peninsula)
                                   - Turnus
                                   - Reluctant warrior
                                   - Predestined fate of Aenaes (and Rome)

                5. Aeneas as Hero Archetype
                            • Founder of Rome = Defines Ideal Behavoir
                            • Military valor and prowess
                            • Role as son and father (paterfamilias)
                            • Greece = Arete / Rome = Pietas
                            • Trustyworthy (fides)
                                   - "Carthiginian faith"
                            • Aeneas' right to rule (imperium).
                            • Redefines Greek heroic tradition
                6. Foundation Story
                            • Focuses on human initiative and agency
                            • Interests and needs of communities over time
                            • American parallels
                                   - European "foundations"
                                   - Pilgrims
                                   - Revolution
                                   - Constitution
                                   - Heroes: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin,

III. Gladiators and Chariots
      A. Heroes for the masses
                1. Colosseum (Amphiteatrum Flavium)
                            • Nero (37-68 AD)
                            • Construction
                            • Seating
                            • Comfort: seats, awning, stench, food, toilets
                2. Chariot Races
                            • public games (ludi)
                                   - Equirria Consualia
                                   - 100 BCE = 57 days
                                   - 4th Century AD = 177 days
                            • Charioteers
                                   - top class athletes
                                   - Fanatical support
                                   - 4 teams (gree, blue, red or white)

                            • Circus Maximus [picture]
                                   - 250,000 spectators
                                   - 650 meters long x 100 meters wide
                                   - 4-7 times around track

                3. Gladiator Fights
                            • 2nd Century BCE
                            • Gladiators
                                   - prisoners, slaves, free men
                                   - gladiator schools (ludus)

      B. Gladiators and Charioteers as Roman Heroes         
                1. Characteristics
                    • Virtus
                    • Fortitudo: strength & cunning
                    • Disciplina: discipline
                    • Constantia: tenacity
                    • Patientia: stamina
                    • Contemptus mortis: fearlessness in the face of death
                    • Amor gloriae: desire for fame
                    • Cupido victoriae: will to win