Building Works

Question 1

What poems depict how Rome is beautiful?

Answer 1

Virgil, Eclogues 1 – “holds her head high above others”
Ovid, Ars Amatoria 3 – “now Rome is gold”

Question 2

Why did Augustus embark on his building programme?

Answer 2

• fatherly concern for Rome – civil war
• Rome will continue to be centre of empire (unlike Antony)
• providing jobs
• using his wealth to benefit people
• dialogue between himself and people
• adequate water supply
• prevent danger of frequent fires
• public policing for city
• relieve Rome from flooding
• promote his own name, and his family and friends

Question 3

What types of buildings did Augustus build? Who tells us this?

Answer 3

Religious: Forum Augusti (S/RG); Forum of Julius Caesar (RG); Ara Pacis
Temples: Mars Ultor (S/RG); Apollo (S/RG); Jupiter Thunderer (S/RG); Pantheon; deified Julius (RG); Lupercal (RG); Quirinus (RG); Minerva, Juno the Queen, Jupiter Libertas (RG); Lares (RG)

Civic: Curia Julia (Res Gestae); Basilica Aemilia; Basilica Julia

Entertainment: theatre of Marcellus (Suetonius); theatre of Pompey (RG); baths; libraries; parks

Public Amenities: aqueducts (RG); granaries; warehouses

Question 4

Why did Augustus build the Forum Augusti? Who tells us this?

Answer 4

increase in number of people and cases at law – two forums no longer adequate.

Suetonius

Question 5

Why did Augustus build the temple of Mars Ultor? Who tells us this?

Answer 5

had made a vow to in war of Philippi

Suetonius

Question 6

Why did Augustus build a temple to Apollo? Who tells us this?

Answer 6

Part of his house had been struck with lightning and soothsayers said this was where Apollo wanted his temple built

Suetonius

Question 7

Why did Augustus build a shrine to Jupiter the Thunderer? Who tells us this?

Answer 7

flash of lightning struck the slave dead in front of his litter – narrow escape

Suetonius