How and why was Aeneas pious?

Pietas is a Latin word that can be translated as piety or devotion, and refers to someone's dutiful acceptance of the obligations placed on them by fate, by the will of the gods, and by the bonds of family and community. read more

Aeneas was a character known by Romans for his show of pietas, even depicted on coins. On this coin we see Aeneas, with his aged father Anchises on his back, carrying him from the destruction of Troy. read more

In contrast, to be pious all the time is a choice, a difficult choice, and one that other characters do not make. Dido tries to thwart fate in order to preserve her love. Turnus refuses to accept that fate demands that Aeneas will marry the woman Turnus wants. read more