[5] This is a locus classicus about the construction of a trophy. Stat. Theb. 2. 704 foll. has imitated it. The trunk of a tree is apparently intended to represent the body of the conquered foe: comp. below vv. 16, 173. An oak is chosen, as in Stat. l. c.; oaks being used for hanging spoils upon when there is no question of a trophy, 10. 423, Lucan 1. 136 foll. Lersch § 49 fancies it is selected as sacred to Jove, the “spolia opima” being given to Iuppiter Feretrius: but the offering is here to Mars, as he himself admits, and there is no reason to suppose any direct reference to “spolia opima,” which could not be won from Mezentius, as he was not the real leader of the enemy (see however on 10. 449). With ‘decisis undique ramis’ comp. “caesis lacer undique membris Truncus” Lucr. 3.403.
