Virgil Bi-Millenary: Anchises Prophecy of Roman Power

This sepia-toned 20-centesimi issue from the same 1930 Virgil commemorative series continues the ideological exploration of Roman imperial identity. The engraving captures a pivotal moment from Book VI of the Aeneid, illustrating the spirit of Anchises in the Underworld pointing out the future greatness of Rome to his son Aeneas, as legions of future Roman souls march along the banks below. The lower tablet bears the famous classical mandate on global governance: "Tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento" ("Remember, O Roman, to rule the nations with your power"). Overprinted with the dark "SOMALIA" title, the stamp served to frame the state's modern administrative presence within a grand narrative of historical authority, civilization-building, and enduring institutional legacy.