Virgil wrote the epic "Aeneid" to make Romans proud of their divine heritage, as well as to teach them to appreciate the sacrifices suffered by their ancestors. Aeneas' perseverance over the vengeance of Juno and Dido truly proves his undaunting heroism. Juno's rage runs deep and she desperately desires to see Aeneas fail. Dido, on the other hand, falls in love with Aeneas. So deeply in love is Dido that when Aeneas informs her of his intention to leave Carthage, she sees no alternative but to kill herself. Revenge plays such a key role in the Aeneid. Juno's desire for Aeneas to fail stems from her hatred of the Troy and its citizens. The theme of revenge is played out, additionally, through the character of Dido. Dido, the Queen of Carthage, falls madly in love with Aeneas and they consummate their love in a cave. To Dido, their sexual union signifies that Aeneid will marry her and stay in Carthage as her husband. When Dido finds out of Aeneas' plans to leave Carthage, she exacts revenge of her own: Dido's desire for revenge is very similar to Juno's. Both desperately seek the destruction and failure of Aeneas and his people. Even though Dido's love for Aeneas is intense, his fleeing of Carthage arouses contempt and vengeance in Dido's heart. In conclusion, revenge plays such a key role in the Aeneid because it is so deeply rooted in Roman culture. Rome's ancestors withstood grave obstacles based upon the ill-will of her enemies and Rome's own existence signified its revenge upon all the enemies who tried to destroy her. .
