Aeneas, son of Anchises and Venus, a Trojan prince, with whom tradition connects the origin of the Roman empire. Having fought for Troy till it fell, he quitted the burning city with his followers, accompanied by his father and son. After visiting various countries, they landed on the shores of Latium, where they met with a friendly reception from King Lati-nus. They settled there, and soon became involved in hostilities with the people of the country, in the course of which Latinus was slain. Aeneas was finally victorious. He married Lavinia, the daughter of Latinus. His son by Creusa, Ascanius or lulus, founded Alba Longa, one of the last kings of which, Numitor, was the grandfather of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Aeneas is the hero of Virgil's Aeneid.