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Virgil Facts & Worksheets

Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was a Roman poet who lived from 70 BCE to 19 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest poets in Latin literature and is best known for his epic poems, particularly the "Aeneid."

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Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was a Roman poet who lived from 70 BCE to 19 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest poets in Latin literature and is best known for his epic poems, particularly the “Aeneid.”

See the fact file below for more information about Virgil, or you can download our 24-page Virgil worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

  • Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was a renowned ancient Roman poet. He was born on October 15, 70 BCE, in Andes, a village near Mantua in Cisalpine Gaul (modern-day Italy). 
  • Virgil came from a modest farming family; little is known about his early life. His birthplace, Mantua, was a Roman colony, and this likely contributed to his Roman citizenship.
  • Virgil received his early education in Cremona and Milan and later in Rome. He continued his education in Naples, studying Greek literature and philosophy.
  • It is believed that he also spent some time in Rome studying rhetoric and other subjects. During this period, Virgil developed a deep appreciation for Greek literature, particularly the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Theocritus, which greatly influenced his own writing.
  • Virgil’s education and exposure to the rich literary and cultural environment of Rome and Greece played a significant role in shaping his poetic style and thematic choices. 
  • His masterful use of language and his profound understanding of the classical tradition are evident in his later works, most notably in the epic poem “Aeneid,” which became one of the greatest literary achievements of ancient Rome.

LITERARY WORKS

  • Virgil, one of the most celebrated poets of ancient Rome, left an enduring legacy through his literary works. His contributions to Roman literature, particularly his epic poem, the “Aeneid,” have profoundly impacted Western literature and culture.
  • Virgil’s earliest surviving work is the “Eclogues,” also known as the “Bucolics,” composed around 42–37 BCE. 
  • This collection of pastoral poetry consists of ten short poems, each featuring shepherds engaging in dialogues about love, loss, and the idyllic life of rural landscapes.
  • The “Eclogues” not only showcase Virgil’s mastery of language and form but also establish him as a poet deeply rooted in the pastoral tradition, drawing inspiration from Greek poets like Theocritus.
  • Following the “Eclogues,” Virgil produced the “Georgics,” completed around 29 BCE. This didactic poem comprises four books and serves as a poetic guide to rural life. 
  • The “Georgics” cover various agricultural topics, including farming practices, animal husbandry, beekeeping, and astrology.
  • Virgil presents these subjects with a blend of practical advice and mythological references, connecting the mundane aspects of farming to larger cosmic and divine forces. The work reflects Virgil’s deep appreciation for the agricultural landscape and its importance to Roman society.
  • Virgil’s magnum opus is undoubtedly the “Aeneid,” an epic poem written between 29 and 19 BCE. Commissioned by Emperor Augustus as a national epic to glorify Rome, the “Aeneid” traces the legendary journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he flees the ruins of Troy and eventually establishes the foundations of Rome.
  • The epic comprises twelve books and draws inspiration from Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” Virgil skillfully weaves together myth, history, and political ideology to create a narrative that explores themes of destiny, duty, and the founding of a new empire.
  • In the “Aeneid,” Virgil introduces a diverse array of characters, each representing different aspects of the Roman ethos. Aeneas embodies piety and devotion to duty, while Dido, the Queen of Carthage, represents tragic love and the consequences of conflicting destinies. 
  • The character of Turnus embodies an opposing force to Aeneas, symbolizing the challenges and conflicts that arise in establishing a new nation.
  • Virgil’s poetic style in the “Aeneid” is characterized by its richness, precision, and emotional depth. His use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism elevates the narrative, creating a work that transcends its immediate political context. 
  • Virgil’s exploration of the human condition, moral choices, and the interplay between fate and free will contributes to the enduring relevance of the “Aeneid.”
  • Tragically, Virgil did not live to see the completion of his masterpiece. He died in 19 BCE, leaving instructions for the unfinished work to be destroyed. 
  • However, Augustus intervened, recognizing the poem’s literary value, and the “Aeneid” was subsequently published.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

  • Virgil’s impact shows in various aspects, from his contribution to the development of the Latin language to the profound influence of his themes and characters. 
  • One notable impact is his role in shaping the identity of ancient Rome. The “Aeneid” was commissioned by Emperor Augustus as a national epic to legitimize the Roman Empire’s origins and establish a sense of continuity with the heroic past. 
  • Through the character of Aeneas, Virgil presented the ideal Roman virtues of duty, loyalty, and piety, contributing to the moral and cultural foundation of Rome.
  • In the realm of literature, Virgil’s works became fundamental texts in Roman education. The “Aeneid” was studied extensively in schools, and its impact persisted throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods. 
  • During the Middle Ages, Virgil’s writings were considered a pinnacle of classical learning, and his influence extended into the development of medieval Latin literature.
  • One of the most remarkable impacts of Virgil is his influence on later poets. Dante Alighieri, the renowned Italian poet of the Middle Ages, held Virgil in high esteem. 
  • Dante chose Virgil as his guide through Hell and Purgatory in his epic poem “Divine Comedy.” This decision reflects Virgil’s symbolic role as a guide and mentor, emphasizing his enduring influence on poets who followed in his footsteps.
  • Moreover, Virgil’s works have become source material for later creative endeavors. His themes and characters have been adapted and reimagined in various forms, from literature to art and even the modern entertainment industry. 
  • Shakespeare drew inspiration from Virgil in creating some of his plays, and the themes of destiny, love, and sacrifice in the “Aeneid” resonate in countless works of fiction.
  • Virgil’s impact extends beyond the written word to the visual arts. His influence can be seen in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual expression that draw inspiration from the vivid imagery and profound themes in his works. 
  • Artists throughout history have turned to Virgil for inspiration, using his narratives as a springboard for their own creative interpretations.
  • Virgil’s impact and influence have shaped the literary, cultural, and artistic landscape for centuries. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience, with his contributions to the formation of Roman identity, has cemented his place as a literary giant.

Virgil Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Virgil across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Virgil. Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was a Roman poet who lived from 70 BCE to 19 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest poets in Latin literature and is best known for his epic poems, particularly the “Aeneid.”

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Virgil Facts
  2. Virgil Summarized
  3. Speak Like Virgil
  4. The “Aeneid”
  5. Heroic Speech
  6. Eclogue I
  7. Unrequited Love
  8. Poetic Messages
  9. Quotable Illustrations
  10. Poem Writing Tips
  11. Write a poem

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Virgil?

Virgil, also known as Publius Vergilius Maro, was an ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period. He is best known for his epic poem “The Aeneid,” which tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who traveled to Italy and became the ancestor of the Romans.

What is Virgil’s most famous work?

Virgil’s most famous work is “The Aeneid,” an epic poem that recounts the adventures of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he flees the burning city of Troy and embarks on a journey to Italy, where he founds the city of Rome. It is considered one of the greatest literary masterpieces of ancient Rome.

When did Virgil live?

Virgil lived during the first century BCE, from 70 BCE to 19 BCE. He was born near Mantua in northern Italy and spent much of his life in Rome, where he became a prominent figure in the literary circles of the time.

What was Virgil’s relationship with Emperor Augustus?

Virgil enjoyed the patronage of Emperor Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Augustus admired Virgil’s talent and commissioned him to write “The Aeneid” as a means of glorifying Rome and its imperial mission. Virgil dedicated the poem to Augustus and portrayed him as a descendant of Aeneas, thus legitimizing his rule.

What was Virgil’s influence on later literature?

Virgil’s works had a profound influence on later literature, both in Rome and beyond. “The Aeneid” became a foundational text of Latin literature and was widely studied and imitated throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It also influenced poets such as Dante Alighieri, who revered Virgil as a guide in his own epic poem, “The Divine Comedy.” Additionally, Virgil’s poetry has inspired countless writers and artists over the centuries, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest poets of antiquity.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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