Achates was the best friend and companion-at-arms of Aeneas {see planet  (1172)} in Virgil’s {see planet  (2798)} “Aeneid”. Known as “fidus Achates” - faithful Achatus - he commanded his own ship in the wandering fleet of Trojans as they sought to establish a new city after the fall of Troy. Achates wandered far from known paths with Aeneas, traveling at Aeneas’ side during their passage through the underworld, as the two friends threaded their way through “broad, silent tracts of night” in a journey to meet Aeneas’ father, as described in the great Book VI of Virgil’s poem. (M 22249) _ _.