An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
Virgil
2 books referenced
Books by Virgil
Referenced in 9 episodes
October 05, 2025
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Referenced as Virgil's 'great epic poem' from which Powell quoted the Sibyl's prophecy about the Tiber foaming with blood in his famous speech
October 01, 2025
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Discussed as Virgil's adaptation of Homer to tell 'this great epic' about the origins of Rome, drawing on stories of the Trojan War and the Odyssey. Characterized as 'a work of mythology.'
February 22, 2024
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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.
February 19, 2024
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Referenced as the work that enshrined the legend of the founding of Carthage, describing Aeneas meeting Dido.
December 25, 2023
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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
November 24, 2022
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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.
June 16, 2022
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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
April 21, 2022
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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
October 07, 2021
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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
Referenced in 1 episode
October 25, 2021
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Referenced when discussing Augustus and prophecies of a golden age, describing Virgil's famous description of 'a new cycle' and 'the golden age returns' with the birth of a child.