Augustus & Conspiracies - sources Flashcards
Suetonius - plots to kill Augustus
Augustus uncovered and suppressed many conspiracies and assassinations before they became a real threat
example:
Illyrian camp orderly sneaked into the palace with a hunting knife but was caught
conspiracy:
Marcus Egnatius established a firefighting service of 300 slaves.
19 BC, he sought consulship but he was accused of conspiring against Augustus and was executed.
Augustus then built his own fire brigade (Vigiles)
“Attempts against Augustus’s life were made by men from even the lowest walks of life”
Suetonius - security measures
Augustus restructured the Senate, reducing its members to 1,000 and ensuring only qualified individuals were enrolled, with selections reviewed by himself and Agrippa. To enhance security, he is said to have worn armor under his tunic and surrounded himself with armed senatorial friends.
Key Quote:
“The sight of this sad rabble, wholly unworthy of office, decided Augustus to restore the Order to its former size and repute by two new acts of enrollment.”
Suetonius - harsh security measures
Augustus demonstrated zero tolerance for perceived threats, ordering the immediate execution of a Roman knight for transcribing his speech and punishing others, such as Quintus Gallius, for actions interpreted as treasonous or disrespectful. Gallius, suspected of carrying a concealed weapon, was tortured, blinded, and later vanished during his exile.
Key Quote:
“Augustus suspected that he had a sword but dared not have him searched on the spot, for fear of being mistaken.”
Suetonius - Trials of Rufus and Gallus
Augustus was loyal to his friends but unforgiving to disloyalty, exemplified by the punishments of Rufus and Gallus: “Rufus, who had taken part in a plot, was handed over to the senatorial court and sentenced to death; Gallus…was condemned to exile
Suetonius - mutiny at Brundisium
Augustus efficiently resolved a mutiny at Brundisium, resolving it with generosity and discipline: “ran into two storms: the first between the headlands of Peloponnese and Aetolia; the second off the Ceraunian Mountain”
Velleius Paterculus - History of Rome about a plot by Marcus Lepidus Jnr
Marcus Lepidus the Younger plotted to assassinate Augustus, but Maecenas uncovered the conspiracy and Lepidus was arrested and executed: “Maecenas uncovered the plans…and without a trial, arrested him and decisively put an end to the plot”
Velleius Paterculus - History of Rome - plot by Marcus Egnatius Rufus
Egnatius Rufus exploited his popularity, wanting to become a consul in 19 BC, to incite rebellion against Augustus but was executed: “Egnatius Rufus, who was in every respect more a gangster than a senator, conspired against Caesar”
Velleius Paterculus - History of Rome - another mention of conspiracy
Brief mention of conspiracy plots in 20/19 BC, including Murena and Caepio and the public funeral of Marcus Marcellus, Octavia’s son
Younger Seneca - concerning Clemency
Lucius Cinna, who was Augustus’ intellectual ally, plotted to assassinate him. Augustus learned about the plot and consulted his council. Livia encouraged Augustus to show mercy to Cinna, which Augustus did:
Livia- “Will you listen to a woman’s advice…see if clemency gets you any further…he could do wonders for your reputation”
Augustus- “…it is your life which I am giving back to you for the second time”
“he found him a close and loyal friend”
Macrobius, Saturnalia - slave of Caepio, would-be assassin of Augustus
Caepio’s attempt to assassinate Augustus failed, despite his slave smuggling into many locations and hiding him
“Slave concealed him in a chest and transported him by night”
Dio Cassius, Roman History - Augustus denies to permit Marcus Primus to invade Thrace
Augustus publically denied allowing Primus to invade Thrace
Tacitus, The Annals - rumour of Livia killing Augustus
Some suspected Livia poisoned Agustus when he reconciled with Agrippa Postumus
“Some suspected his wife of foul play”
Dio Cassius, Roman History - Livia killed Augustus with poisoned figs
Livia allegedly poisoned him with figs and ensured Augustus ate them
“smeared with poison some figs…offered the poisoned ones to him”
Res Gestae - Relief over the death of Enatius Marcus Rufus = his return from Syria
The senate celebrated his return from Syria with religious celebration
“senate consecrated the alter of Fortuna redux…19 October…named the day Augustalia in my cognomen”
