Virgil's Aeneid (Streaming Video)

Virgil's Aeneid: The Founding of Nations in the Will of God

Taught by Dr. Henry Russell · TAN Academy

Overview

Virgil's Aeneid: The Founding of Nations in the Will of God invites students into one of the greatest literary masterpieces of Western civilization through an unmistakably Catholic lens. In sixteen engaging lectures, classical educator Dr. Henry Russell demonstrates how Virgil's epic poem not only shaped Roman culture but also points beyond itself toward the fulfillment of history in Jesus Christ.

Although the Aeneid was written before the coming of Christ, it reflects humanity's universal longing for truth, justice, sacrifice, and redemption. Dr. Russell carefully distinguishes the limitations of the pagan worldview while revealing how its highest aspirations prepare the way for the Gospel. Through typology, philosophy, history, and theology, students learn to recognize God's providential hand even within the greatest works of the ancient world.

Designed for high school students and families, this college-preparatory course cultivates careful reading, thoughtful discussion, and rigorous literary analysis while remaining deeply rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Every lecture begins in prayer and encourages students to see classical literature as an opportunity to deepen both their intellect and their love for Christ.

• Read the Great Books Well: Develop the habits of careful reading and thoughtful literary analysis.
• Understand Classical Civilization: Discover how Roman culture helped prepare the world for Christianity.
• See Christ Foreshadowed: Explore typological themes that anticipate the fullness of truth revealed in the Gospel.
• Grow in Wisdom: Reflect on timeless questions of duty, sacrifice, leadership, justice, and providence.
• Strengthen Critical Thinking: Engage challenging ideas through meaningful discussion and guided analysis.
• Build a Catholic Worldview: Learn to evaluate every work of literature in the light of divine revelation.

Course Highlights

Throughout the series, students examine many of the Aeneid's central themes, including the rise of nations, divine providence, sacrifice, free will, justice, heroism, and the relationship between earthly authority and God's eternal plan. Dr. Russell continually connects these themes to Catholic theology, demonstrating how the highest achievements of classical civilization ultimately find their fulfillment in Christ.

Lecture Topics

• Seven Reasons to Study the Aeneid
• Punic, Social, and Civil Wars
• The Wrath and Promise of Heaven
• Troy versus Greece and Impossible Tasks
• Fated Futures and Nation Before Family
• The Great Wanderings
• The Perils of Passion
• The Glory of Games
• The Burning of Ships
• Avernus and Places of Justice
• Blessed Groves, Punishment, and Communion
• Unholy War and the Beginning of the Iliad
• The Greeks and the Glory of the Shield
• Friendship, Folly, and Bloodlust
• Fate, Freewill, and Death
• Sorrow, Peace, and Glory

Intended Audience

This course is designed for high school students, homeschooling families, classical education programs, and lifelong learners seeking a faithful Catholic approach to one of the greatest works of classical literature. It pairs especially well with TAN Academy's High School Ancient Literature curriculum but can also be enjoyed as a standalone study.

FAQs

Do students need prior knowledge of the Aeneid?
No. The course introduces the epic from the beginning and guides students through the entire work with clear instruction and historical context.

How is this course distinctly Catholic?
Rather than treating the Aeneid as merely a literary classic, Dr. Russell examines it through the light of Christ, highlighting the ways pagan civilization points toward the fulfillment of God's plan in the Catholic Faith.

Is this appropriate for high school students?
Yes. The lectures are intellectually substantial while remaining engaging and accessible for motivated high school students preparing for college-level humanities.

What academic skills does the course develop?
Students strengthen literary analysis, historical reasoning, philosophical reflection, discussion skills, and the ability to interpret great texts through a coherent Catholic worldview.

Can this course be used independently?
Yes. While it complements TAN Academy's High School Ancient Literature lesson plans, it also functions as a complete standalone lecture series for individuals and families.