Roman Heroes and Heroines

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Acca Larentia | In Roman mythology, she was the wife of Faustulus who helped to care for the abandoned brothers Romulus and Remus.

Aeneas | Hero of both the Iliad and Virgil’s eponymous Aeneid; son of Venus and Anchises.

Ascanius | The son of Aeneas; he is credited with founding the city of Alba Longa in Italy.

Camilla | A native of Italy, she fought in the war against the Trojan Aeneas.

Cloelia | This Roman girl was held hostage by the Etruscans; she escaped, and her bravery so impressed her captors that they began friendly relations with Rome.

Dido | Carthaginian Queen who was involved in an ill-fated affair with Aeneas in Virgil’s Aeneid.

Faustulus | Shepherd who found and raised (with his wife Acca Larentia) the twins Romulus and Remus.

Hercules | The Romans borrowed this hero from the Greeks (Herakles), and Latinized his name into the familiar Hercules.

Hersilia | This heroine was the wife of Romulus, and she was also taken prisoner during the notorious abduction of the Sabine women.

Horatii | A trio of brothers who engaged in a famous and legendary duel on behalf of Rome.

Latinus | King ruling in Italy (Latium) until the coming of Aeneas; Virgil makes him the son of the god Faunus and the nymph Marcia.

Lavinia | Daughter of Latinus and Amata; she appears in Virgil’s Aeneid.

More Roman Heroes (Mezentius - Turnus)