This paper examines how the opening
section of the "Aeneid" sets out the themes and style of the epic, which continue through
all twelve books. It looks at how Virgil introduces his themes and characters in this
section with great skill, emphasising certain
elements of his epic and subtly insinuating others. It explores how there are also many elements in the opening of Book I that signal the importance of the "Aeneid"'s context and the need for Virgil to satisfy his patron Augustus.