87- Francus, Hispalus and Norix, Oh My!

Now that we have finished the Aeneid- and indeed the epic narratives surrounding the Trojan War- we pause the narrative for a quick intermission before we finish off Aeneas. So, join us for three more stories of Greco-Roman protagonists founding nations of their own!

Time period: From 1192 BCE onwards

Relevant individuals:

• Francus, founder of the Franks
• Hispalus, nephew of Heracles
• Norix, founder of Noricum

Sources for this episode:

• de Ronsard, P. (1572), Les Quatre Premiers Livre de la Franciade, au Roy Tres-Chrestien, Charles, Neufieme de ce nom. Paris: Gabriel Buon.
• Hoffman-Beckering, D., History of the Germans (2025), Episode 204- Rudolf IV- Forger and Founder (online) (Accessed 20/08/2025).
• Ritter, R. and Tapie, V.-L., Encyclopedia Britannica (2025), Henry IV king of France (online) (Accessed 20/08/2025).
• Roulliere, A. (date unknown), Ronsard and the ghost of Astyanax. Trinity Hall College, University of Cambridge (thesis).
• Seznec, J. (1995), The Survival of the Pagan Gods: The Mythological Tradition and Its Place in Renaissance Humanism and Art. Princeton: Princeton University Press.