We arrive at the final book of Vergil’s epic. We consider the meaning of conquest and Roman identity, considering that it is the Trojans, not the Latins, whom Jove decrees will lose their language and identity, despite being the victors in battle. What is it about the synthesis of two losers – the Trojans, defeated by the Greeks, and the the Latins, defeated by the Trojans – which gives rise to the Romans? We continue to consider questions of synthesis. Vergil is attempting to synthesize so many strands of history, myth, tradition, politics, nature, and poetry, can it be any surprise that the final results do not manage to tie everything into a neat bow? Is this fractiousness an artistic failing on Vergil’s part, or is it intentional? Is it this very failing which saves his poem from descending to the status of Imperial propaganda? We end with some fascinating general reflections about the epics we have read so far on our quest for the Key. As always, the frustrated listener is encouraged to stick around. The end is the best part.