Augustus Flashcards
How did Caesar manipulate Octavian’s early life in order to prepare him for leadership?
During his late-teens, Caesar had enrolled Octavian in many schools/colleges which trained him to in religious, political, and military training. These teaching would allow Octavian to have insight and knowledge into the aspects of Roman civilisation that would allow him to manipulate the public’s perception of him.
What were Octavian’s motives after the death of Caesar?
Suetonius believed he had two motives:
- To avenge Caesar’s death
He attempted to prosecute Cassius and Brutus in the law courts for murder but he did not have the Senate’s support.
- To “Keep his decrees in force”
This included continuing Caesar’s regime, however, to do this Octavian needed power - which he did not have.
Why was Octavian constantly changing his position regarding Antony?
Antony and Octavian’s relationship was built upon
whether Octavian could use Antony in order to gain something. E.g. Antony’s support in taking down Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius + Octavia’s forced marriage to Antony for further manipulation through family ties. However, their relationship was never stable and ceased to function whenever Antony became too bothersome for Octavian, who was growing in power - E.g. The Battle of Actium.
What happened during the Civil Wars?
Antony trying to become Governor in Cisalpine Gaul, current emperor denied, this created a civil war.
Octavian hired Cicero and assassins to kill Antony.
Antony’s troops deserted and joined Octavian - he paid more.
Cicero convinced Senate to give Octavian ‘Proprietorian Imperium’ - gave him command of an army.
Antony defeated - fled to Alps with Lepidus’ army.
Senate considered Antony a threat - outlawed him.
Octavian changed his mind - now needs Antony’s assistance to stop Caesar’s killers, both of whom had gained supreme command of Eastern provinces.
Octavian demands consulship - denied. He seizes the treasury and he is then elected Consul in 43 BC.
They revoke Antony’s outlaw decree.
Octavian now sets up plans for Caesar’s assassins.
What was the result of the alliance between Octavian, Lepidus, and Antony during the Second Triumvirate.
The second Triumvirate is an official political alliance between Octavian (O), Lepidus (L), and Antony (A).
They carried out a ruthless proscription (murder of political opponents) of 300 senators and 2000 equestrians. This decimated the senatorial class - levelling out the balance of power, which the three took.
The wealth from the dead equestrians was used to pay the legions.
The result of this; the Roman social structure remained the same but republican traditions were greatly weakened - this would allow Octavian to manipulate these weakened traditions and make them into new traditions that would serve to strengthen his future Principate.
How did Octavian gain power in order to defeat Cassius and Brutus?
42 BC, Antony and Octavian took 28 legions to confront Cassius and Brutus in Greece.
Octavian was now ‘divi fillius’ (Son of a God) as Caesar had been deified by the Senate.
Cassius and Brutus both committed suicide after loosing two battles.
How did The Battle of Actium enhance Octavian power and prestige?
The Battle of Actium in 31 BC wasn’t significant - it was the consequences that followed that enhanced Octavian’s power.
The Myth of Actium was created by Octavian to glorify his actions. He manipulated the truth into making people believe he was the divine saviour - ridding the world of the Evil Queen Cleopatra, and bringing peace to Rome.
Antony’s defeat was used as political propaganda to boost Octavian’s public image. Antony was turned into a ‘Roman Hero’ who Octavian saved from the evil clutches of Egypt.
Octavian then used the defeated Egypt to garner wealth and massive amounts agricultural benefits. This boosted the wellbeing of all Romans as there was more food to be eaten and wealth to be used on public games and shows.
Octavian demolished half of the army - showing that the war was finally over and peace had been secured. He then gave each soldier a wage + pension - showing that he cared about the wellbeing of his soldiers. He relocated veterans to provinces - he now had significantly loyal men who had battle experience that could demolish any uprising that started against him within provinces.
Octavian learnt from Caesar’s mistakes. Never calling himself Emperor, or flaunting his wealth; instead he gave the spoils of war to the people for building programs, funding “bread and circuses”.
Thus, Octavian was able to manipulate the defeat of Egypt into boosted his power, prestige, and public image. He was the people’s divine saviour who brought about the end of a 100 year civil war.
How did Octavian manipulate the Senate in the Settlement of 27 BC
In 27 BC, Octavian renounced all of his powers and titles - he he was retiring from public affairs, claiming he had restored peace. - This was all an act, a show of humility into manipulating the Senate into believing they needed him but he didn’t need them.
The Senate did not let him go, and granted him:
- Proconsular Imperium - he had control over the army.
- He could appoint military commanders, make war, and conclude treaties.
- Continued to be elected consulship, which gave him ‘imperium’ (supreme power) in Rome and Italy (not the provinces).
He was then named ‘Augustus’ by the Senate.
What did Augustus gain during the Second Settlement, in 23 Bc?
He resigned from consulship after some were resentful of his continual consulships which were limiting their chances of power. He became ill after resigned as the consulship had drained his health.
The Senate compensated for this by upgrading his proconsular imperium to ‘Maius’ - which granted him even more power of the army.
Granted tribunican power for life.
The Tribunican Potestas became the the legal basis of his power.
How did Augustus maintain the Principate?
‘Auctoritas’ (personal authority) - his public image and popularity was phenomenal becuase he was giving the people everything they wanted: ‘Bread and Circuses’, peace, security, and wealth.
Propaganda - the use of famous writers glorifying him, the forum he built, and the imperial cult worshipping him in the Provinces.
He constantly used the word ‘Princeps’ - first citizen. This associated him the people.
Gained support of Senatorial class, equestrians, and plebs.
His reforms;
Recognition and restoration promoted efficiency, justice, old virtues, security, prosperity and prestige.
What were the 7 titles and honours Augustus gained that defined his power and prestige during the Principate?
- Imperator.
- A military title, not used in Rome but the eastern provinces.
- “I was twenty-one times saluted as Imperator” - Res Gestae - Pontifex Maximus - Chief Priest of Rome (13 BC)
- Augustus succeeded Lepidus, when he died, as head of the Priesthood of Rome. - Pater Patriae
- Meaning “Father of the Country”. Did not come with power but it did associate his image with traditional family values. - Consul
- Was consul 13 times - Tribunican Potestas
- Held this for 37 years
Fusions of this power with authority of being Augustus was vital - Princeps
- ‘Princeps senatus’ - First senator - enabled him to be the first to give opinions within the Senate - Augustus (Honour)
- This was conferred by the Senate. It increased his dignity since it meant ‘revered one’.
What is the purpose of the ‘Ara Pacis’?
Name means: “Alter of Augustus Peace”
Purpose;
- to show Augustus’ accomplishments - starting with Battle of Actium.
- Shows the prosperity of Rome under Augustus’ rule - through peace, fertility, piety, and wealth.
What does each wall of the Ara Pacis show?
Tellus - Eastern Wall
Image; A female figure with vegetation surrounding her. Flanked by swan and sea creature. Cow and Sheep at feet - Icons of the gods (Association of divinity with prosperity of Rome - showing that Augustus is in the god’s favour).
This wall shows the fertility, peace, and prosperity of Rome.
Roma (Eastern Wall)
Goddess of Rome, seated on a pile of arms acquired in war
This shows that the success of Rome through war acquires peace.
Aeneas + Romulus and Remus (Western Wall)
This shows the mythological beginnings of Rome and a reflection of the Julian ancestry. Connects the victory of the past with the victories of the present.
Northern Wall
Procession of Senators. Togas + Laurel wreaths = victory. Olive Branch = peace. Children = prosperity of the future generation.
This wall is a nod to the aristocracy and Augustus giving attention to the Senate which had given him his power (through his manipulation).
Southern Wall
Members of Imperial Family. Augustus leading the procession = still ‘first citizen’. Livia and Agrippa both veiled = The Imperial family’s influence through religion. Priests behind (yet in equal height) with the Imperial family = shows the importance of the Family but their respect and piety.
How does the Augusta Prima Porta show Augustus’ accomplishments?
Made roughly in 20 BC.
Youthful and flawless greek design = representing the youthful and flawless state of Rome a promise of the future.
Dolphin = victory at Battle of Actium
Cupid, Son of Venus (Patron god of the Julians) = highlights Augustus as descendant of the gods.
Ultimately; the statue is a personification of Augustus’ power and authority.
What was the role of the Consuls under the Principate?
-Most desired position of power. Represented the peak of one’s career. Gave enormous ‘auctoritas’ (authority). Augustus divided the consulship in 5 BC.
‘Consules ordinarii’
- entered at beginning of year, served for 6 months.
Consules suffecti
- entered office after the consules ordinarii, served the other 6 months.
After serving for 6 months, they could:
- be come preconsul in a province in Africa or Asia
Become Legatus propraetore, governor of an imperial province and have command of an army.
