Augustus' Reign Essay

     Rome's vast empire lasted for an amazing one thousand-year reign. Half of it referred to as the republic, and the other as the empire. However, after its fall in 5oo-a.d. Rome has still remained in existence through its strong culture, architecture, literature, and even religion (Spielvogel 175). Even after its disappearance as a nation Rome left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Its ideals and traditions have been immolated, and adopted for over two thousand years. Whether, it is through its language of Latin, its influence of religion, or its amazing architectural ability Rome has influenced almost every culture following its demise. The heritage of Rome has

Augustus was one of the main leaders during Pax Romana. His Rule was from 27 BC to 28 AD. He was one of the most important rulers in history because he helped to expand border and make peace for Rome. The Roman Empire was described as an autocratic government.

Caesar Augustus the man who found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble. Caesar Augustus, one of the strongest and most strategic leaders in roman history, but this was all much later in his life, he started off in a very poor state yet through hard work and determination he came out on top to be known throughout the generations.

Compare the following descriptions of Augustus’ rise to power, one by Augustus himself and one by Tacitus (the second-century historian), and discuss their historical validity.

When we think about the historical significance of Rome, it comes down to its leaders and how these leaders ruled in their era. Confidence, commitment, inspiration, intuition, and creativity, are all essential traits that a ruler must possess. In my opinion, no one has demonstrated these important characteristics better than Caesar Augustus, or better known as Octavian. Octavian showed how good of administrator he was, which was well needed after years of civil strife and social unrest. On the other hand, military genius, Julius Caesar, was lacking in administrative qualities which infect, lead his era to have a period of civil war and bloodshed.

Throughout his life, Augustus, the first emperor of Rome and self-proclaimed “restorer of the Republic”, sought to improve society. After a disastrous century of disorder, internal turmoil and a political system that was ultimately unsatisfactory for the empire, Augustus attempted to formulate a new Roman government and way of life. He believed that the degradation of Rome was due in large part to a “breakdown in religious tradition as well as political and moral order. Old rites had been forgotten, old temples were allowed to crumble in neglect, and the gods were angry with this”. Augustus attempted to renew peace and stability in Rome through political and

The differences between both men are that with all this success, how did their land live with out them? The true statement of success should be proven while their king is still in power and even afterwards. Octavian treated his citizens so well and with so many gifts that his policy and the way he ruled went on for generations. The next Leaders created their own rule, but used Octavian’s policies in respect of how they did things. It shows that Octavian began a new trend for the country of Rome, particularly regarding their kings.

To change an empire from a Republic to a Monarchy, is in itself a great achievement, but to be that one man that successfully changes the way of old to the original form of state is an amazing fete. The will to achieve this, and the desire must be great and you must truly be remarkable, although in saying that, having your forefathers pave the way, assist in reaching that goal. This is what Augustus achieved, he became greatest man in Rome, the highest achievement one might endeavour, outdoing his forefathers. He played the game of Roman politics against some of the greatest minds, brilliantly and shaped what is now known as the “Great Roman Empire”.

     Two problems facing the late Roman Empire was the instability and non unification caused by inner family civil wars. Rome's rapid expansion, after the Punic Wars, resulted in changes that permanently divided the state. Both Aristocrats and Plebeians wanted total control of Rome and tried to destroy each other. Civil war was the the only way to solve problems in politics. Consequently, the power of the military became strong. Control of Rome's armies changed from the government to the generals because the soldiers began to listen to their generals rather than to the Government. On dismissal from military service, the soldiers had no farms to return to, and they

to break free, Antony lost the battle but he and Cleopatra managed to flee the battle early

     Augustus received the tribuncian power for life and assumed the role of protector of the Roman people. He also received the right to intervene in those provinces administered by the Senate. The backbone of Augustus’ power came from being Imperium of the military. It was of great importantance

Art is often used in propaganda regimes in order to convey a certain message. Many times that message is clear. However, in the case of Augustus, is his message straightforward? Was he telling people that he was a brave and godlike man with the Prima Porta? Or would he rather be known as the humble pontifex maximus? Or rather a man who works in conjunction with his family and the senate as seen in the Ara Picas Augustae? Certainly these different characteristics make it hard to pin point Augustus’s true message. What was Augustus really trying to say? Why keep himself young and idealized even as he aged? Why did he make divine symbols subtle? If he wanted the Roman population to view him as a god couldn’t he just force everyone to worship him? Well that would probably work in a world where assassination wasn’t an option. But, then again, was Augustus really the mastermind behind the propaganda? Maybe it was all Livia.

Augustus’s success is entirely based around the principle “I give to you so that you may give to me”. This is how he successfully created a military monarchy. Once he defeated a territory, those who sought amnesty were spared as long as they gave swore they’re allegiance to Augustus. He gave things to people in return for their allegiance. “I assigned all of them fields or gave them money for their military service” (3). He provided people with amenities in return from military service. t mentions, on multiple occasions, how he gave back to not just the people who surrender to him, but to the town, the public, the military, and the senate as well. In sections 15-18, that’s all he talks about. “I gave HS 400 per man for the third time. And, these public gifts of mine never reached fewer than 250,000 men.” (15). This is how he managed to stay so popular among the people, and how he created an army so large. The same principle applied to the Gods “I rebuilt eighty-two temples” (20). He did things to appease the Gods, and expected them to return the favor.

On the 23rd of September 63BC a baby boy was born. Little did his family know that this amazing child was going to be one of the greatest politicians in Rome, he was also going to touch the lives of many Roman Citizens and to be remembered by thousands of people many years after his death. He was to rule an empire that stretched from Spain to Judea. Turn the Mediterranean Sea into a peaceful Roman Lake and was eventually to be worshipped as a god. The future Emperor of Rome was called Gaius Julius Octavious, whom we all know now as Augustus.

Nero initially copied Augustus ' reign- treating the senate respectfully, granting more freedoms, using legislation almost solely to maintain and improve public order, e.g. Banning public