Augustus Sources Flashcards
What does Suetonius say was the reason why Augustus fought Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium?
Mark Antony had “failed to conduct himself as befitted a Roman citizen”
What does Suetonius tell us about Mark Antony’s death?
That he sued for peace but Augustus ordered him commit suicide
What does Suetonius tell us about Cleopatra’s death?
That Augustus “was so anxious to save Cleopatra as an ornament for his triumph” that he had someone suck the poison from her wound
What does Suetonius say Augustus did with Antony and Cleopatra’s bodies?
“He allowed them honour burial in the same tomb” and completed the mausoleum they had begun building
What does Suetonius say Augustus did to Antony and Cleopatra’s kids?
He raised their children together as if they were his own but had their other children killed
What does Suetonius tells us about opposition to Augustus?
“He suppressed a series of sporadic riots and revolts… [most] detected before they became dangerous”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ military policy?
“Augustus never wantonly invaded any country, and felt no temptation to increase the boundaries of the empire or enhance his military glory”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ relationships with foreign territories?
His reputation for fairness and mercy was so great that most nations sought his friendship or advice and Armenia handed over the Eagles lost by Mark Antony
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ claim of bringing peace to the empire?
“The gates of the Temple of Janus Quirinus, which had been closed no more than twice since the foundation of Rome, he closed three times”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ military losses?
“He suffered only two heavy and disgraceful defeats” and “Varus’ nearly wrecked the empire” because 3 legions were lost
What does Suetonius tell us about how Augustus first came to power?
“At the age of twenty he usurped the consulship, marching on Rome as though it were an enemy city”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus when he was part of the triumvirate?
He carried out the proscription “more ruthlessly” than either of his colleagues and “many of [his] acts won him the people’s hatred”
What does Suetonius tell us about the source(s) of Augustus’ power?
“The people awarded Augustus lifelong tribunician power” and the Senate appointed him to ‘supervise public morals and scrutinize the law’
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus restoring the republic?
“Twice Augustus seriously thought of restoring the republic”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ reasoning for not restoring the republic?
“The results were almost as good as his intentions”
What does Suetonius tell us about Augustus’ building programme?
He not only improved its appearance but did his best to guard it from future disasters
What does Suetonius tell us about how Augustus funded all his improvements to Rome?
He paid for lots of stuff himself and called upon others who had won triumphs to share some of their riches
