Chapter 5: The Dream of Scipio Summary and Analysis

The Dream of Scipio is brief and was lost to history for centuries until discovered in the medieval period. The excerpt is part of a larger work, most of which is still lost. The dream described is the dream of Scipio Africanus the Younger. He has a dream that his grandfather visits him and takes him to a heavenly place, setting life and its aims in a "cosmic perspective." The elder Scipio reveals the structure of the universe to him. The dream illustrates the theological doctrine of 'selective immortality' which holds that only great and virtuous persons are given eternal life and Cicero's view that patriotic service is the way to the gods.

The dream opens while Scipio is in a military tribune that travels to Africa. He greets his friend, King Basinissa...