The Interpretations Of Augustus

In both readings we receive a picture of Rome that the writers paint for us. Augustus provides for us a very biased view on Rome. In “ The Deeds of the Divine Augustus”, Augustus makes a point that Rome is superior to all other places. He takes pride in Rome, so much so that he does not point out the faults in Rome, rather he praises it for all its glory. In contrast, Juvenal’s “Satires”, takes a more realistic approach and explains to us the downfalls of Rome. He explains the good and the bad of Rome and writes with sense of truth. He explains to us that Rome is not perfect by any means. Through his writings, Juvenal is hoping to help the citizens realize their faults and return to their traditional Roman values, through this we can come to an understanding of the true Rome.

In this paper, I will describe the sculpture, Augustus of Primaporta, beginning with the Emperor’s head, one would note the definition of Augustus’ hair, individual locks that coalesce to form an idealized, dome-shaped style. His forehead displays two proportional, prominent bumps, likely muscles that control brow movement. His pencil-thin eyebrows are set quite low and impress a calm disposition.

An example of a major source, which chiefly opposes the alternate interpretations provided by numerous other sources, is evident through the portrayals delivered by Tacitus in the Annals which contain a prospect of first century Rome, from Tiberius to Domitian. However in general, Tacitus offers a vivid representation of the Roman Empire, and doesn’t overlook the deadly exploitation and inhumaneness of the time, especially in regards to Augustus. This same view is further supported as Tacitus states that the “Protection of the laws were continually deranged by violence, intrigue and corruption” and that he, along with all of the Roman people, were “Stript of equality…” as they “…all looked up to the commands of a sovereign without the least

In 20 C.E., made in what is now the ruins of the Roman Empire. At first glance, he looks just as Doryphoros, another well-known male statue. Both men appear to be stuck in a contrapposto pose, seeming as if in motion. Take note of his right leg, placed firmly forward while his left leg is bent, indicating knee movement, and the heel has come off the ground slightly. However, Augustus is unique due to the way he is standing, what he’s wearing and who and what he represents. His facial features are almost perfect; almost youthful in a way that a person would want their ruler to be. Moving further down, we reach the most important feature of the statue. Augustus’s breast plate has relief sculpture with an intended meaning; Augustus has the Gods on his side, he is a strong military leader, and a bringer of the Pax Romana, the years of peace throughout the Roman

Augustus was born in Rome on September 23, 63 B.C. He was originally named Gaius Octavianus, but when his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was murdered, he took his name. Augustus’ real father died when his son was only four. Augustus was adopted in Julius Caesar’s will and was left to be his heir at the age of eighteen. Caesar was very fond of his grand-nephew and he sent him to the College of Pontifices at the age of sixteen. When Caesar was assassinated, Augustus was in Illyria, where he was sent to serve. It was only when he returned to Italy that he learned he was his great-uncle’s heir.

Could you imagine ruling an empire?, well Augustus did it at the age of 19. Augustus was born on September 23, 63 BC in Rome, Rome. Augustus was originally named Gaius Octavius, but he later took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavinus after his great-uncle, Julius Caesar. He went by Octavian until the Senate gave him the name Augustus in 27 BC. He was originally born into a republic, where a leader is elected, but by the time he was emperor the system was broken down and no longer a republic. Augustus’ father died in 59 BC, so Julius Caesar cared for Augustus and made him his heir since he did not have one of his own. Caesar and Augustus went to Spain, but in 44 BC Caesar was assassinated and Augustus became emperor of Rome.

This was mostly because of all his achievements for the empire. He divided Rome into fourteen districts, each with an administrator elected by the locals, to make the empire easier to manage, thus solving Rome’s previous expansion problem. After the death of Caesar, the number of senators had increased greatly. Many of them were unworthy and had gotten the position through bribery. In order to lower the number of senators, Augustus instructed each member to nominate one another and then chose personally from that list of names. In doing this, Augustus was able to cut the number of senators from 1000 to 600. This raised the standards of being a senator and lowered the chance of corruption. Furthermore, Augustus extended the borders of the empire in the Iberian Peninsula, Gaul, Germany, Middle East and Asia Minor. He created alliances with other kingdoms that wanted to avoid war with the Romans. Augustus also restored and erected great public buildings, temples, theatres, bathhouses, arches and his own mausoleum. He repaired roads and aqueducts using both his own money and war spoils. Augustus even boasted that he: “found Rome built of bricks; I leave her clothed in marble.” Architecture during his time was an example of his central policy: the concept of building new and better things on the ruins of the past. In the end, Augustus satisfied the Romans by exceeding the

Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar have proven to be two of the worlds best leaders. These men were brilliant and a great influence on their people, bringing great wealth and prosperity to their nation as well as expanding their empires. Alexander and Augustus each came to power at a very young age and ruled in a totalitarian manner, with their main weapon being their military. However, even though they had similarities, each was very different. The following will prove my thesis.

After Julius Caesar’s death in 44 BCE, Rome needed a new ruler. Octavian, later known as Augustus, became the first Roman Emperor in 27 BCE. He was adopted by Caesar at the young age of nineteen and took over Caesar’s ruling at the age of thirty two. Throughout his ruling Augustus claimed many military victories, expanded the territory of Rome and brought peace to his citizens. He established himself as the princeps or the first citizen of the Roman Empire along with his roles of imperator (commander in chief) and pontifex maximus or the chief priest of Rome. He was seen as a military victor, bringer of peace to his people, and a supporter of the Roman traditions. His successes were rewarded with portraits and monuments that displayed his victories all over his empire. Through these artworks Augustus expressed his

To reassure Roman Citizens that prosperity was evident Augustus set about reconstructing the city of Rome. Coins from the period (http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=443) illustrate the ‘health of the republic’ which was an essential part in reinforcing the feelings of stability that the Augustus wanted his people to encompass. The use of propaganda was also in an attempt to bolster his power. The reconstruction of the city involved creating essential services such as roads and aqueducts and also glorified Augustus and set in stone his achievements.

Augustus was a man who was an expert at using political propaganda. In his life he took on many roles to give him a more powerful status in the eyes of the people. In his own words Augustus said, “I exceeded all in influence [auctoritas], but I had no greater power than the others who were colleagues with me in each magistracy.” (Augustus: A Man for all Seasons)

Others argue the reason Augustus took to writing the Res Gestae was to actually rewrite history for his own purposes. In this regard, it could be debated that Augustus, with significant proficiency in propaganda, offered the facts in

Nevertheless, Tacitus also wrote after the time of Augustus at the end of the first century AD, however unlike other sources he conveys a very bias perspective on Augustus and his rule. This may be due to the change that Augustus made to the government, especially when the empire was left to be run by power hungry successors after Augustus’s death. This in hand would of left Tacitus blaming Augustus as he was the first roman emperor, leaving Tacitus to experience tyranny, corruption and decadence which may explain his bitter and ironic political analysis. This is also seen as his writings are filled with snide remarks (innuendo) of Augustus and essentially how he created corruption, governmental scandal and innocent people being destroyed because of his lust for power. Overall, these three sources are equally biased because they were all issued after Augustus’s reign yet still show a depiction of Augustus which is an opposing view to that found in other sources, as all three of the primary sources believed that an emperor

In the Res Gestae written by Augustus himself the reader can find that many times throughout the writings that Augusts is trying to keep a historical account of all the great things he has done, while at the same time staying humble. “I rebuilt the Capitol and the theater of Pompey, each work at enormous cost, without any inscription of my name.” Here Augustus writes about an amazing deed he did, but staying humble and trying not to make Rome only about him, he rebuilds it and keeps it as it

Before discussing how Augustus used comparative language, it is important to establish his opinion of that to which he referenced to better understand why he would use comparisons at all. Comparisons serve the purpose of establishing a relationship between one thing and another, and in most situations, it is better to exceed others in greatness than overcome their mediocrity. In the text, Augustus wrote that he “restored many traditions of the ancestors,” rebuilt historical structures, and built new temples on private ground (13,15,16). From these actions and the reverent tone he