An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

Virgil

2 books referenced

Books by Virgil

The Aeneid

Referenced in 9 episodes

606. Enoch Powell: Rivers of Blood

October 05, 2025

Context:

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

605. Greek Myths: Jason & The Quest for the Golden Fleece (Part 4)

October 01, 2025

Context:

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.'

422. Ancient Carthage: Rise of a Superpower (Part 2)

February 22, 2024

Context:

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.

421. Ancient Carthage: Lords of the Sea (Part 1)

February 19, 2024

Context:

Referenced as the work that enshrined the legend of the founding of Carthage, describing Aeneas meeting Dido.

402. Christmas: Pagan or Christian?

December 25, 2023

Context:

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

262: Tunisia: Dido of Carthage

November 24, 2022

Context:

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.

198. Cleopatra's Downfall (Part 4)

June 16, 2022

Context:

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

177. The Jewish Revolt (Part 3)

April 21, 2022

Context:

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

105. Classics

October 07, 2021

Context:

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

Fourth Eclogue

Referenced in 1 episode

111. Golden Ages

October 25, 2021

Context:

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.