THE GAMES IN HONOUR OF ANCHISES

After their hasty escape from the islands of the Cyclops, skirting the south-western coast of Sicily and seeing Camarina, Gela, Agrigento and Selinunte along the way, Aeneas and the Trojans’ ships pass Lilybaeum and enter the port of Drepana (Trapani). Anchises dies here. He had been a great comfort to Aeneas in every difficult moment of his life, and Aeneas sinks into deep despair upon the loss of his elderly father.

In the fifth book of the Aeneid, Virgil tells us that the following year, after the long stop in Carthage, the Trojans land again in Drepana, where games are organised by Aeneas in memory of Anchises.

The first is a boat race, where the competitors have to reach a rock a couple of miles off the coast, sail around it and return to their starting point. Four contenders take to the starting line: the Pristis, the Chimaera, the Centaur, and the Scylla. An excited crowd rushes to witness the spectacle. The trumpet blows and the ships depart, amid applause and shouts of encouragement. The competition is fierce and in the end it is the Scylla that crosses the finish line first. Aeneas offers prizes not only to the winners but also to all the other participants.

After the prize-giving for the regatta, the other competitions take place: a running race, basket boxing and archery. An equestrian show closes the celebrations.

During the games in honour of Anchises there is a festive and carefree atmosphere, and Aeneas rediscovers his people, the future that awaits him, recognising that his fellow travellers are closer and more united to him than he thought.

In the meantime, however, a group of women, tired of the long voyage, set fire to some of the ships at Juno’s instigation: Aeneas decides to leave in Sicily all those who do not wish to go on, old people, women and children, and the city of Acestas is founded for them, as well as a temple in honour of Venus (Erycina) and a place of worship for Anchises.

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