Vergil, Aeneid I
What this unit covers
The topics below follow the published Latin course framework for Unit 1. Latin publishes no per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to chase here.
Lessons in this unit
- The Proem & Dactylic Hexameter14 min · 3 objectivesTranslate the opening lines of the Aeneid and identify their programmatic themes · Scan a line of dactylic hexameter, marking feet as dactyls or spondees · Apply the rules of syllable quantity, elision, and the metrical pattern of the verse
- The Case System & Noun–Adjective Agreement15 min · 3 objectivesIdentify the syntactic function of a noun from its case ending · Recognize that adjectives agree with their nouns in case, number, and gender, not necessarily in ending · Translate passages of Juno’s anger from Book I using case analysis
- Participles & the Storm at Sea14 min · 3 objectivesIdentify present, perfect, and future participles and translate them in context · Analyze the epic simile and other literary devices in the storm scene · Translate narrative passages describing Aeolus and the tempest
What examiners penalize here
- The AP exam asks you to scan the first four feet of a designated Vergil line and often to identify the caesura. Practice marking elisions first — a missed elision throws off every foot after it. Write the macra and breves directly above the vowels to earn full credit.
- On the translation questions, always identify the **main verb** and its **nominative subject** first, then attach objects (accusative), possessors (genitive), and adverbial ideas (ablative). A quick case-map of the sentence prevents the most common mistranslations of who is doing what to whom.
- For the analytical essay, be ready to name a device (**simile, alliteration, hyperbaton, anaphora**) AND explain its effect with a Latin citation. Naming alone earns little; showing how, say, the Neptune simile links natural order to Roman civic authority is what scores.
Practice Latin
Our practice bank is drawn from across the whole course rather than filtered to one unit, which is closer to how the exam asks anyway — it will not tell you which unit a question is testing.
Questions about this unit
How much of the AP Latin exam is Unit 1?
The Latin course framework does not publish a per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to quote for Unit 1 and anyone who gives you one is guessing. Spread your time by where your own errors are instead.
What topics are covered in Latin Unit 1?
Vergil, Aeneid I covers Epic conventions, Meter, Translation and Analysis.
How should I study Latin Unit 1?
Read the 3 lessons below first — about 45 minutes — then work practice questions on these topics. Finish with practice questions and read the explanation for every one you get right by elimination as well as the ones you miss.
All 5 units of AP Latin
Unit names, topics and exam weights follow the published College Board course framework for AP Latin. AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which does not endorse this site.