Imperial Image - Augustus Reign Flashcards
What was Octavian’s primary focus at the beginning of his political career?
To make people aware of him to gain influence over the Romans
This was achieved through the formation of the Second Triumvirate.
What significant event diminished the need for Octavian to prove himself to others?
Antony’s defeat at Actium
After this event, no one remained who could realistically challenge his power.
What family background did Octavian come from?
He came from a politically insignificant family, the Octavii
This meant he had little or no power initially.
What was one of Octavian’s main needs immediately following Caesar’s assassination?
To be seen as Caesar’s legitimate heir
He did not want any links to the title ‘Dictator in Perpetuity.’
How old was Octavian at the time of Caesar’s assassination?
18 years old
He was politically inexperienced.
What were the aims of the Second Triumvirate?
- Establish himself as Caesar’s legitimate heir
- Avenge the death of Caesar
- Ensure stability throughout Rome and the Empire
During the civil war with Antony, why could Octavian not have it seen as a civil war?
It would be perceived as a power-grab
Antony was a well-respected military general with the support of 300 Senators.
What strategy did Octavian use to manage his public image during the civil war?
Linking himself to Apollo
This symbolized the triumph of civilization over barbarism.
What did Octavian need to show to maintain loyalty to Rome?
His dedication to Rome
What was a significant outcome of the Battle of Actium for Octavian?
He needed to retain power without appearing unconstitutional
He had to separate himself from the problematic attributes of Caesar.
How has history remembered Augustus?
As the man who ended the Republic and established the Principate
He presented himself as the savior of Rome from ambitious politicians.
What extraordinary powers were given to Octavian by the Senate during his rise to power?
- Admitted into the Senate at a young age
- Held the consulship at a young age
- Commanded armies before holding political office
- Suspended the courts and free-elections as a triumvir
What title did Octavian take in 27 BC that signified a return to stability?
Augustus
This title means to increase, enrich, or praise.
In what year was Octavian elected as Princeps Senatus?
28 BC
What did the Senate bestow upon Octavian in response to his return of powers?
- The civic crown
- Control of Spain, Hispania, Gaul, Egypt, and Syria
- The title ‘Princeps’
- The Clipeius Virtutis (Shield of Virtue)
- The title Augustus
What role did Augustus self-impose that was important for his personal brand?
Religious leader
This role appealed to conservatives concerned about moral decline.
How many temples did Augustus oversee the restoration of starting in 28 BC?
82 temples
Several new temples were also built.
What was the Pax Augusta?
A period of peace established by Augustus throughout the Empire
It helped prevent assassination or overthrow.
What was the significance of the Denarius minted in 12 BC?
It reinforced the connection between Augustus and state religion
It celebrated his election as Pontifex Maximus.
What was the purpose of the Prima Porta Augustus monument?
To commemorate the Parthian Campaign
It was commissioned by the Senate.
What did the standards captured in 53 BC symbolize for the Romans?
A significant loss of morale
They felt their supremacy was being undermined.
What did Augustus present as proof of Parthia’s submission to Roman control?
The return of the standards
However, Parthia remained an independent empire.
What does the term ‘adlocutio’ refer to in the context of Augustus’ portraits?
An oratorical pose used when addressing the army
What does Augustus’ barefoot depiction in statues signify?
Reserved for gods and heroes
It emphasizes his moral connection to Roman virtue.
What animal is Cupid riding in the Prima Porta Augustus statue, and what does it symbolize?
A dolphin
It symbolizes Augustus’ naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
What virtue does Augustus emphasize in his portrayal?
The Roman virtue of pietas
Pietas refers to duty to family, gods, and country.
Who does Cupid represent in relation to Augustus?
Cupid represents the association with Venus, mother of Aeneas and ancestor of the Julian Clan.
What does the dolphin in the statue symbolize?
The dolphin could symbolize a naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra (Actium, 31 BC).
What does the central figure pulling a cloth represent?
It represents the heavens.
Who might the figure holding out standards to a Roman represent?
Could represent Tiberius or Mars Ultor.
What does the woman holding a cornucopia likely represent?
Most likely a mother earth figure.
What is Apollo riding in the statue?
Apollo is riding a griffin.
What does the griffin symbolize in relation to Apollo?
Griffins are linked to knowledge and wisdom, traits associated with Apollo.
What title was Augustus granted by the Senate in 2 BC?
Pater Patriae, meaning ‘Father of the Fatherland’.
What were the Leges Iuliae?
Laws that regulated the behavior of citizens, encouraging marriage and childbearing.
What issues arose from the implementation of the Leges Iuliae?
Open rebellion and attempts to circumvent the laws.
What was the significance of Ovid’s poetry for Augustus’ image?
Ovid’s poetry filled with stories of origins and festivals, promoting patriotism and traditional worship.
What is a key theme in Propertius’ Elegies regarding Augustus?
It provides a dissenting voice against Augustus’ foreign campaigning and highlights personal suffering.
How did Augustus adjust his relationship with Julius Caesar over time?
Initially essential for legitimacy, it became problematic as Augustus needed to distance himself from Caesar’s controversial legacy.
What did Augustus shift the focus of his propaganda to?
From Caesar the man to Caesar the god.
What does the comet symbolize in relation to Augustus?
The comet symbolizes the divinity of Julius Caesar.
What did Augustus aim to restore in Roman society through moral reforms?
Traditional ideals of modest living and respect for the gods.
Which goddess is represented by the figure holding a water jug in the statue?
The goddess Dawn.
What was the public perception of Augustus’ granddaughter Julia?
She was exiled for adultery, which reinforced Augustus’ moral agenda.
What does the term ‘Golden Age’ refer to in Augustus’ propaganda?
A time of idealized peace and prosperity under Augustus’ reign.
What was the purpose of the Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games)?
To mark the beginning of a new Golden Age and celebrate Augustus’ reign.
What did Horace link to the success of the heroes from the Punic Wars?
Their success was linked to old-fashioned clean living and moral standards.
What did Augustus hope to achieve by setting a personal example of moral behavior?
To inspire the Roman people to change their ways.
What was the significance of the oak wreath in the portrait of Augustus?
It stressed his divine nature and encouraged Romans to view him as a god.
Fill in the blank: Augustus was referred to as _______ for his efforts in moral reform.
Pater Patriae.
True or False: Augustus’ reign was associated with a decline in moral standards.
True.
What did Augustus need to portray himself as in relation to Julius Caesar?
Legitimate heir and preferable to Antony.
What vision did Augustus present regarding the ages of man?
He claimed that the ages of man were cyclical.
What event did Augustus mark in 17 BC?
The Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games).
What did Augustus claim about the prophesy related to the Ludi Saeculares?
It had been prophesised in the Sibylline Books.
What were the themes associated with the Golden Age referenced during the Ludi Saeculares?
- Saturn
- Prosperity
- Abundance
- Lasting peace.
What was necessary to maintain the blessed state associated with the Golden Age?
Moral vigilance, diligent religious observance, and continued loyalty to Augustus.
Who were the key figures involved in the scandals and deaths of the Imperial Family according to Suetonius?
- Julia the Elder
- Julia the Younger
- Agrippa Postumus.
What was the significance of Horace’s Carmen Saeculare?
It praised various gods and asked for blessings upon the Roman people.
What was the symbolic meaning of the chorus of youths dressed in white during the Carmen Saeculare performance?
Children represent Rome’s future and hope for continued prosperity.
What is debated regarding Augustus’ declaration of a new Golden Age?
Whether he ‘rigged’ the declaration or not.
What was Augustus’ approach towards succession after his death?
He groomed younger male relatives for power through formal adoption.
Who was Julia the Elder’s first husband?
Marcellus.
What happened to Marcellus in 23 BC?
He died of the plague.
What did the Aureus of Augustus depict?
Augustus giving out suffimenta to the people of Rome.
What does Horace’s Odes 4.15 imply about Augustus’ rule?
It links Augustus with peace and prosperity in Rome, akin to the Golden Age.
In what year were Gaius and Lucius adopted by Augustus?
17 BC.
What characteristics made Agrippa Postumus an unlikely contender for succession?
He was brutish, insolent, and violent.
What was Augustus’ major building program aimed at?
Reforming the city of Rome through new constructions and restorations.
What did Augustus claim about the architectural state of Rome?
‘What I found a city of brick, I left as marble.’
List some types of buildings constructed or restored during Augustus’ building program.
- Temples
- Civic Buildings
- Public Amenities
- Public Monuments.
What was the significance of the Forum of Augustus?
It contained the Temple to Mars Ultor and was a focal point for military discussions.
What did the Ara Pacis Augustae symbolize?
Peace through military strength.
What was the primary material used in the construction of Ara Pacis?
White marble.
What does the lower half of the Ara Pacis walls feature?
A continuous band of panels covered with plant life.
What religious figure is depicted in the Ara Pacis scene involving Aeneas?
Aeneas sacrificing pigs to the Penates.
Fill in the blank: Augustus was known to have a close relationship with _______.
[Agrippa].
True or False: Augustus was the first to move the pomperium in Rome.
True.
What significant event occurred at the site of Rome involving Aeneas?
Aeneas saw a white sow with thirty piglets, which were then sacrificed.
This myth is told in Virgil’s Aeneid.
What does Aeneas’ head covering signify?
It signifies that he is taking part in a religious ritual, emphasizing his pietas.
Who is suggested to be the figure overseeing Romulus and Remus?
Mars and Faustulus, who are both father-figures of the twins.
What does the depiction of Romulus and Remus suckling on the she-wolf symbolize?
It alludes to Augustus positioning himself as the Father of Rome (Pater Patriae).
What is the Tellus Panel named after?
It is named after the earth-mother Tellus.
What figures are believed to be represented in the Tellus Panel?
The female figures are believed to represent the sky and sea, with a sea-monster.
The babies could be Romulus and Remus or Gaius and Lucius.
What central figure is suggested to be depicted in the Tellus Panel?
The central figure could be Tellus as the personification of earth.
What is a plausible alternate identity for the central figure in the Tellus Panel?
Ceres, Venus Gentrix, Pax, or Livia.
What does the frieze on the upper portion of the exterior walls depict?
A religious procession showing nearly fifty figures.
Who are generally agreed to be included in the procession frieze?
Augustus, Agrippa, and Livia.
What innovation is represented in the figures of the procession frieze?
The representation of children, members of the imperial family.
What does Augustus wearing a toga represent?
It represents him as a civic and religious leader rather than a military leader.
What aspects of Augustus’ public image were influenced by Roman culture?
Certain aspects, such as pietas.
How did Augustus adapt his image for diverse audiences?
He shifted aspects of his image to meet the expectations and desires of his provincial audiences.
What is the significance of the Kalabsha Gate?
It is dedicated to a Nubian sun-god named Mandulis, showing Augustus’ willingness to embrace foreign gods.
What was Augustus’ view on ruler-worship in the provinces?
He did not want to encourage ruler-worship as it could play poorly in Rome.
What new cult did Augustus encourage?
The cult of Rome and Augustus, associating himself with Roma.
What is an example of a temple associated with the cult of Rome and Augustus?
The Temple of Rome and Augustus at Pula (2-14 AD).
What other cults did Augustus encourage?
The cult of the Divine Julius and the cult of his own genius.
How did Augustus associate the worship of his genius?
He associated it with the Lares.
What practice became popular throughout Italy?
The worship of Augustus’ genius.
