The poet Albius Tibullus called a city this in the late 1st century B.C., some 700 years after its traditional founding
On Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category City Nicknames and brought viewers back to the classical world. The clue stated: “The poet Albius Tibullus called a city this in the late 1st century B.C., some 700 years after its traditional founding.” This historically rich clue alluded to a well-known phrase often used to describe a city whose influence spanned centuries and empires.
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What is the Eternal City?
The correct response was: What is the Eternal City? This enduring nickname refers to Rome, Italy. Its origins trace back to Latin poetry, and Tibullus is credited as one of the earliest writers to use the phrase “Urbs Aeterna,” or “Eternal City,” as a way to describe the permanence and grandeur of Rome in a world of political change and shifting alliances.
Tibullus and the Origins of “The Eternal City”
Albius Tibullus was a Latin elegiac poet writing during the reign of Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. Although less known today than contemporaries like Virgil or Ovid, Tibullus’ work reflected the cultural atmosphere of Rome during the late Republic and early Empire. In his poetry, Tibullus referred to Rome as the “Eternal City,” suggesting a belief in its enduring power and divine favor. This label helped craft Rome’s identity as not just the seat of an empire, but as a city that transcended time.
The phrase “Eternal City” later took on deeper layers of meaning. Roman writers and historians used it to symbolize the idea that Rome was a chosen city, favored by the gods and destined for lasting greatness. It also aligned with the imperial ideology promoted under Augustus, where Rome was positioned as a center of stability and civilization in a chaotic world.
A Symbol of Endurance Through the Centuries
The nickname stuck and endured far beyond ancient times. Through the medieval and Renaissance periods, and even into modern political discourse, Rome continued to be referred to as “the Eternal City.” It became more than a poetic phrase—it was a symbol of cultural continuity. Despite invasions, internal decline, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Rome remained central in religious, political, and artistic developments across Europe.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, as Italy unified and the Vatican established itself as a sovereign entity, the phrase continued to capture Rome’s dual identity as both a historical and spiritual capital. Whether referring to ancient ruins like the Colosseum or the religious prominence of St. Peter’s Basilica, “Eternal City” still speaks to the city’s unmatched historical depth.
Why the Nickname Still Resonates Today
Today, Rome’s moniker as the “Eternal City” is as relevant as ever. Millions of tourists each year are drawn by its layered history, where modern life exists alongside ancient architecture. The city is home to institutions like the Vatican, the Italian government, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its appeal lies not only in the grandeur of its past but in its ongoing cultural significance.
Tibullus’ poetic nickname has proven accurate in ways he likely never imagined. Over two thousand years later, Rome continues to inspire with its resilience, beauty, and symbolic importance. The Final Jeopardy clue highlighted not just a nickname, but a testament to how language and literature can shape the identity of a place for millennia.
A Literary Legacy That Shaped a City’s Identity
The clue for April 15 served as a reminder of how a poet’s words can echo through history. Tibullus may not be a household name, but his depiction of Rome as the “Eternal City” has stood the test of time. The phrase captured the imagination of later generations and helped forge a global perception of Rome as timeless and unshakable.
By tapping into this legacy, Jeopardy brought classical literature and urban history into the spotlight, showing once again how much depth can be hidden behind a few carefully chosen words.