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I think it may have succeeded most in capturing the soul of Augustus and by way of Augustus throughout the Roman world. Hence it’s impact would have been profound. The AENEID is enormously straightforward compared to Homer’s epics. The character of Aeneas is shown able to transcend attachments to human emotions in his piety and devotion to his destiny. My guess is that he doesn’t play as well right now. I am dearly reminded of JFK’s exhorting us, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” I also would like to add that I have always felt that Augustus carried guilt over the murder of Julius Caesar’s son. Hence, this epic encouraging Roman peace and unrivaled excellence in governance motivated Augustus to create administrative systems that outlived him and moved Rome into greatness. Augustus took on the mantle of Aeneas; he became Aeneas. As in everything, the Romans were the great pragmatists of the ancient world.
