Details about Dido's character, life, and role in the founding of Carthage are best known from the account given in Virgil's epic poem, the "Aeneid," which tells the legendary story of the Trojan hero Aeneas. Dido is described as a clever and enterprising woman who flees her ruthless and autocratic brother, Pygmalion, after discovering that he was responsible for her husband's death. Through her wisdom and leadership, the city of Carthage is founded and made prosperous.