Aeneas was born to the Trojan prince Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite on Mount Ida, making him half divine and destined for greatness.

Young Aeneas was raised by nymphs on Mount Ida until age five, then brought to his father Anchises to be educated as a Trojan prince.

Aeneas received training in warfare, hunting, and leadership, becoming one of the finest warriors in Troy after Hector himself.

When the Greek fleet arrived, Aeneas led the Dardanian allies in defense of Troy, proving himself second only to Hector among Trojan warriors.

Aeneas married Creusa, daughter of King Priam, linking him directly to Troy's royal family and strengthening his position in the kingdom.

Aeneas faced the fearsome Diomedes in battle and was nearly killed, but his mother Aphrodite rescued him, showing divine protection.

Creusa bore Aeneas a son, Ascanius (also called Iulus), who would continue his father's line and eventually found the city of Alba Longa.

After Hector's death, Aeneas became one of Troy's primary defenders, leading troops and maintaining morale in the city's darkest hours.

When the Greeks emerged from the Horse, Aeneas fought desperately through the burning city, trying to save what he could of Troy.

During the flight from burning Troy, Aeneas lost Creusa in the chaos. Her ghost appeared to tell him not to mourn but to seek his destiny.

Aeneas fled burning Troy carrying his aged father Anchises on his back and leading young Ascanius by hand, an image of devotion and duty.

Aeneas gathered surviving Trojans and set sail to find a new homeland, beginning years of wandering across the Mediterranean.

Anchises died during their stay in Sicily, a great loss for Aeneas who had devotedly cared for his father throughout their journey.

Juno sent storms that drove Aeneas' ships to Carthage, where Queen Dido welcomed the Trojans and fell deeply in love with Aeneas.

Aeneas and Dido became lovers, and he nearly abandoned his destiny to remain in Carthage as her king, building a new city together.

Jupiter sent Mercury to remind Aeneas of his destiny. He departed despite Dido's pleas, and she killed herself on a pyre, cursing Rome.

Guided by the Sibyl, Aeneas descended to the Underworld where Anchises' spirit showed him visions of Rome's glorious future.

Aeneas finally reached Latium in Italy, the land promised by prophecy where his descendants would found a great civilization.

Turnus, king of the Rutulians, opposed Aeneas' settlement. War broke out for control of Latium and the hand of Princess Lavinia.

Aeneas defeated Turnus in single combat, killing him despite his pleas for mercy. He married Lavinia and united the peoples.

Aeneas founded the city of Lavinium, named for his wife, establishing the first settlement of Trojan descendants in Italy.

Aeneas died in battle against the Etruscans or, according to Virgil, ascended to become a god, honored as Jupiter Indiges.