Half-Olympian son of Aphrodite by Anchises, mortal Trojan prince of the junior Dardanid line. Co-leader of the Trojan defense in the Iliad — Poseidon rescued him from Achilles in Iliad 20 on the explicit prophecy that his descendants would rule the Trojans (Il. 20.302-308). The Iliadic seed of the entire Roman foundation tradition. Carried his father Anchises out of burning Troy on his shoulders, holding his son Ascanius/Iulus by the hand — the "pius Aeneas" iconography. Seven-year Mediterranean wandering before landing in Latium; war with Turnus for Lavinia's hand; foundation of Lavinium. Apotheosed as Iuppiter Indiges. The Iulii (Julius Caesar's gens) claimed direct descent through his son Iulus/Ascanius.