1.1 Augustus 31 BC- AD 14 Flashcards
Who began a new era in Rome?
Augustus began a new era in Rome.
What was Augustus’ name as a young man?
He was named Octavian.
What did Augustus achieve as a result of civil wars?
He was the eventual victor in civil wars that had dominated the first century BC.
What title did Augustus hold during his reign?
He was Rome’s first princeps.
What years did Augustus reign?
His reign lasted from 27 BC to AD 14.
What model of government did Augustus establish?
He established the model of government known as the principate.
What was the basis of the principate?
It was ostensibly based on the centuries-old system of government known as the Republic.
How were executive magistrates elected in the Republic?
They were all elected for just one year and always with colleagues.
What was the cursus honorum?
It was a series of positions of increasing importance in a political career.
What significant event took place on 2 September in 31 BC?
The battle of Actium
Who were the two main rivals in the battle of Actium?
Mark Antony and Octavian
Who was Octavian?
Julius Caesar’s adopted son, later named Augustus
What was the outcome of the battle of Actium?
Established Octavian as the dominant power in the Mediterranean
Who commanded the forces of the western Roman Empire during the battle of Actium?
Octavian, aided by Marcus Agrippa
Who allied with Mark Antony during the battle?
Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt
What was the nature of the battle of Actium?
Political rivalry that escalated into armed conflict
What did Cleopatra and Antony do before the outcome of the battle was settled?
Fled
What effectively ended the conflict after the battle of Actium?
Octavian being established as the ‘last man standing’
What town did Octavian found near the battle site?
Nikopolis (‘Victory City’)
What did Octavian dedicate to commemorate his victory?
A victory offering of ten ships
True or False: The battle of Actium was a decisive battle with a clear outcome.
False
Fill in the blank: The battle of Actium ended the civil war between Mark Antony and _______.
Octavian
What was a major propaganda effort by Octavian after his victory?
Exploiting the victory for political gain
What was set up overlooking the sea at Nikopolis?
A huge monument
What inscription survives at a nearby temple to Apollo?
The inscription from the monument at Nikopolis
What event marked the beginning of peace and stability for the Roman world according to Octavian’s literature?
Victory at Actium
This event was used by Octavian to promote his image as a leader of the Roman Senate and People.
Which poets emphasized the defeat of Cleopatra in their works?
Virgil and Horace
Virgil’s Aeneid and Horace’s Ode 1.37 both focus on Cleopatra as a foreign enemy.
What does the Res Gestae claim about Octavian’s leadership?
‘The whole of Italy of its own accord demanded [Octavian] as its commander for the war in which [he] conquered at Actium.’
This statement reinforces Octavian’s image as a leader following his victory.
How did the presentation of Actium contribute to Augustus’ popularity?
It portrayed him as a leader of the Roman Senate and People, leading to few significant moments of opposition
The successful propaganda may explain Augustus’ enduring popularity.
What was Velleius Paterculus’ observation about Augustus’ return to Rome?
‘Huge crowds and universal acclaim’ greeted him
This indicates the public support Augustus enjoyed after his campaigns.
What was the significance of Actium in relation to Augustus’ public image?
It was the keystone of Augustus’ public image
The victory at Actium played a crucial role in shaping how he was viewed by the Roman people.
Fill in the blank: The poets Virgil and Horace emphasized the defeat of _______ rather than a fellow Roman.
Cleopatra
This distinction was important in the context of presenting Actium.
What significant event did Octavian hold upon returning to Rome in 29 BC?
The Triple Triumph
The Triple Triumph celebrated victories in Dalmatia, Actium, and Alexandria.
What was created in Rome to memorialize Octavian’s Triple Triumph?
A triumphal triple arch
Although the original arch does not survive, copies were established throughout the empire.
How did Augustus commemorate his military successes during his reign?
Through coinage
This began with the Triple Triumph itself.
What did the visual rhetoric of the arch and coinage reinforce?
The military might of Octavian
This presentation lessened during his reign as he sought to distance himself from his earlier militaristic image.
What significant military campaigns did Augustus commemorate on coins?
The capture of Egypt and the annexation of Armenia
These events were commemorated in 27 BC and 20/19/18 BC respectively.
What concept did the Pax Augusta establish?
Peace and stability
The Romans viewed themselves as having a divine mandate to bring peace to the world.
What did Augustus claim about the doors of the Temple of Janus Quirinus?
They were closed three times during his reign
This symbolized peace throughout the Empire.
How many times had the doors of the Temple of Janus been closed before Augustus’ birth?
Twice
Augustus claimed his birth marked a new age of peace.
Which literary work promotes the idea that Augustus was predestined to rule?
Virgil’s Aeneid
Key passages include 1.257-96 and 6.752-806.
What does Suetonius repeat regarding the doors of the Temple of Janus?
The claim about their closure during Augustus’ reign
This reflects the significance of peace in Augustus’ rule.
What was the Ara Pacis Augustae?
The Altar of Augustan Peace
It was proposed by the Senate and dedicated on 30 January 9 BC.
What did Velleius Paterculus record about the state of Rome under Augustus?
The civil wars were now dead and buried
His writings reflect a Rome wearied by war finding respite under Augustus.
What tone is found in an ode by Horace regarding Augustus?
A tone of relief and praise
This reflects the sentiment of a populace weary from conflict.
What transformation did Octavian undergo to become Augustus?
He changed his image from a grand military victor to a leader with constitutionally ratified power
This transformation was necessary due to the Roman hatred of concentrated power.
What historical event led to Roman resentment of power in one individual?
The expulsion of the last king in 510 BC and Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC
These events shaped the political landscape and views on governance in Rome.
What did Augustus need to prevent resentment towards his leadership?
A formal allocation of powers by the Senate, on behalf of the people
This was crucial to maintain the appearance of a republic.
How did Augustus acquire autocratic powers according to Dio?
He feigned rejection of powers offered by the Senate and accepted them on their insistence
This strategy was part of the First Constitutional Settlement of 27 BC.
What was the reaction of the Senate to Augustus’ rejection of power?
There was an outcry in the Curia against his ‘selfless’ rejection of power
The Senate had mixed feelings, with some aware of his true intentions.
What did the First Constitutional Settlement of 27 BC mark the beginning of?
The principate
This settlement laid the groundwork for Augustus’ rule and the structure of future emperors.
What title was given to Octavian, and what does it signify?
Augustus (revered one), signifying his supremacy
This title had unprecedented significance in Roman politics.
What honors were granted to Augustus in the First Constitutional Settlement?
His doorposts could be decorated with laurel, award of the Civic Crown, Shield of Virtue, and recognition of his auctoritas
These honors were also used for propaganda purposes.
What aspect of real power did the First Constitutional Settlement give Augustus?
Control over key provinces, notably military provinces
Augustus’ control ensured he maintained significant military power.
What was the significance of the imperium proconsulare maius established in the Second Constitutional Settlement?
It reaffirmed the princeps as the head of the Roman army, allowing him to overrule provincial governors
This power was crucial for maintaining military control.
What is tribunicia potestas, and why is it significant?
It is the power of the emperor to pass legislation and call the Senate, signifying the supremacy of the emperor’s position
This power was essential for Augustus to enact his reforms and laws.
How did Augustus ensure his powers could be inherited?
By codifying the powers in a constitutional manner during the Second Constitutional Settlement
This foresight addressed the issue of succession.
What observation did Tacitus make about Augustus’ rise to power?
Augustus ‘rose up gradually and drew to himself the responsibilities of senate, magistrates and laws’
This reflects the subtle consolidation of his authority.
True or False: Augustus’ powers were officially recognized as part of the traditional Roman government structure.
False
His powers were super-constitutional, existing above the traditional governance.
What was disputed regarding Augustus’ restoration of the Republic?
It depended more on interpretation of the evidence than anything else.
Tacitus and Velleius Paterculus have opposing views on the same facts.
What did Augustus ensure despite restoring the organs and practices of the Republic?
He retained ultimate control of these elements.
This indicates a blend of restoration and autocratic rule.
What fundamental idea was important for Augustus?
The idea of restoration.
This was highlighted in contemporary poetry.
Which poet’s work highlights the need for social and moral restoration during Augustus’ time?
Horace’s Ode 3.6.
It reflects the perspective that Rome had become corrupt and decadent.
How did Augustus portray himself in relation to Rome?
As Rome’s saviour.
This was part of his strategy to maintain the facade of republicanism.