Short note explores the allusion to Hermes in Virgil's depiction of Juno's temple in Carthage, suggesting thematic depth.
This short note argues that at Aen . 1.487, in the midst of Virgil’s ekphrasis of the paintings on the temple of Juno in Carthage, the phrase tendentemque manus Priamum conspexit inermis alludes to the name of Hermes, the god who escorted the unarmed Priam from Troy to Achilles’ tent where he ransomed the body of Hector. This wordplay aligns with other instances in which the poet invites readers to observe his dextrous paronomasia, especially involving names.
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James J. Clauss (2026) studied this question.
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