Book VIII of the Aeneid presents a crucial turning point in the mythological foundation of Rome, with clear political resonances for the future Augustan regime. Set on the verge of war between the Latins and Aeneas' Trojan forces, it describes Aeneas' visit to the future site of Rome, where he enlists the help of the Arcadian King Evander for the forthcoming war.In confirmation of the gods’ support for Aeneas, his mother Venus presents her son with new armour, including a shield depicting key events in the future history of Rome. Their climax is Augustus' victory at Actium over the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

This new edition makes the Latin text accessible to students, with commentary notes providing ample linguistic help, explanation of difficult words and phrases, a glossary of grammatical and literary terminology, and a full list of vocabulary and proper names. The in-depth introduction sets the work in its literary and historical context, and provides an overview of Virgil's metrical and stylistic points.