The primary source for the adventures of Aeneas is the epic poem "The Aeneid" written by the Roman poet Virgil in the first century BC. The Aeneid is an epic poem that tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who flees the fall of Troy and travels to Italy to fulfill his destiny of founding Rome. The poem spans twelve books and is regarded as one of the greatest works of Latin literature, having had a profound influence on Western literature and culture. The Aeneid draws upon various Greek and Roman myths, legends, and historical accounts to weave the narrative of Aeneas's journey and the founding of Rome.