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Virgil

Virgil, or Vergil, was the pen name used in English for Publius Vergilius Maro, a Roman poet of the Augustan period.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) was a Roman poet of the Augustan period, born on 15 October 70 BC near Mantua and died on 21 September 19 BC. He is best known for his three major works: the *Eclogues*, the *Georgics*, and the epic *Aeneid*, which became Rome's national epic and a central text of Latin literature.

Life and background

Virgil was born into a farming family near Mantua in northern Italy. He lived during the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire, and died at Brundisium in 19 BC.

Major works

Virgil's best-known poems are the pastoral *Eclogues*, the didactic *Georgics*, and the epic *Aeneid*. These works are central to the study of Latin poetry and Roman literary culture.

The Aeneid

The *Aeneid* recounts the legendary origins of Rome through the hero Aeneas. It was composed in the later years of Virgil's life and remained unfinished at his death.

Literary legacy

Virgil came to be regarded as one of Rome's greatest poets and a major influence on later European literature. His works were widely read in antiquity and continued to shape classical education for centuries.

Key facts

  • Virgil was an ancient Roman poet born in 70 BC near Mantua.
  • He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in Latin literature.
  • His three major surviving works are the *Eclogues*, *Georgics*, and *Aeneid*.
  • The *Aeneid* became Rome’s national epic.
  • Virgil is studied in Canadian schools and universities as a foundational author of classical and world literature.
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Canadian context

Virgil is studied in Canadian schools and universities as a foundational author of classical and world literature, especially in courses on Latin, comparative literature, and the ancient Roman world.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Virgil?
Virgil was a Roman poet of the Augustan period, known in Latin as Publius Vergilius Maro.
What is Virgil best known for?
He is best known for the *Aeneid*, as well as the *Eclogues* and *Georgics*.
When was Virgil born?
He was born on 15 October 70 BC.
When did Virgil die?
He died on 21 September 19 BC.
Why is the *Aeneid* important?
It became Rome’s national epic and a foundational text of Latin literature.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil
    Supports: Full name, dates, birthplace, major works, and identification as a Roman poet of the Augustan period.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Virgil
    Supports: Birth and death dates, birthplace, occupation, and the importance of the Aeneid.
  3. Academy of American Poets — https://poets.org/poet/virgil
    Supports: Birth details and recognition of Virgil as Publius Vergilius Maro.
  4. Poetry Foundation — https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/virgil
    Supports: Major works and Virgil’s status as one of Rome’s greatest poets.