The Shield of Turnus (Aeneid7.783-92)

Much has been written about the lengthy ecphrasis of the shield of Aeneas at the end of the eighth book of the Aeneid . It is less frequently remarked that the ecphrasis balances a shorter – but perhaps no less significant – description of Turnus’ arms at the end of the preceding book. If Aeneas’ shield is emblematic of the imperial destiny which rests upon his shoulders, a similarly symbolic value may also be attributed to the decoration on the armour of his opponent.