Aeneas, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite
(Venus). He was among the defenders of Troy, its bravest, after Hector,
hero. Aphrodite prophesied that he would one day reign over Trojans and
his children, and his children's children would reign over all eternity.
After the fall of Troy, Aeneas with his family and some other Trojans managed
to escape from the burning city, and with the help of Aphrodite they got
a ship and started for a long journey through the Mediterranean. Finally
they reached Italy and founded a colony there. Aeneas' son Ascanius founded
Alba Longa, their descendant, Romulus, founded Rome, which gradually became
the ruling center of the powerful empire. Thus Aphrodite's prophecy came
true.
See: Anthony van Dyck Venus
Asking Vulcan for Arms for Aeneas.