The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the famous Roman writer Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro. October 15, 70 BC – September 21, 19 BC), to flatter Roman Emperor, Augustus. It was meant to provide light entertainment for an audience of learned Roman senators as they took a breather from orgies and betting on gladiatorial combats. This is of course a joke as any student of Latin can testify to.