Augustine, some of his contemporaries, and theologians in the Medieval era reinterpreted Virgil’s poem Eclogue 4 to be a prediction of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many regarded Virgil as a pre-Christian prophet or a virtuous pagan. In keeping with this tradition, Dante included Virgil as his guide through the Inferno.

Under thy guidance, whatso tracks remain Of our old wickedness, once done away, Shall free the earth from never-ceasing fear. He shall receive the life of gods, and see Heroes with gods commingling, and himself Be seen of them, and with his father’s worth Reign o’er a world at peace.