What is the importance of Aeneas' shield in the novel, Lavinia?

Aeneas' shield is a symbol of fate and duty. On his shield are depicted the events that lead to the founding of Rome. "His shield hung in our entrance hall, full of images of the time to come, the kings, the templed hills, the heroes and their wars. He had carried the future of his people on his shoulder into war" (186-7).