InRoman mythology,Silvius (Latin:Silvǐus;Ancient Greek:Σιλούιος, also spelledSylvius)[1] orSilvius Postumus,[2][3] was either the son ofAeneas andLavinia or the son ofAscanius. He succeededAscanius as King ofAlba Longa[4] and reigned 1139–1110 BC.[1]
According to the former tradition, upon the death of Aeneas, Lavinia is said to have hidden in a forest from the fear thatAscanius would harm the child. He was named after his place of birth,Silva being the Latin word for forest orwood.
According toDionysius of Halicarnassus, a dispute arose on who should succeed Ascanius, either Silvius (the brother of Ascanius) or Iulus (the son of Ascanius).[5] The dispute was decided in favor of Silvius by the people who believed that it was his right as the grandson of Latinus. Iulus was awarded thepriesthood. All the kings of Alba following Silvius bore the name Silvius as theircognomen.
His son,Aeneas Silvius, was also king of Alba Longa. In British mythology,Brutus is considered a son of Silvius.
| Legendary titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | King of Alba Longa | Succeeded by |