Imperial Image - Power Struggle Flashcards
What was the Treaty of Brundism?
A treaty that divided the Roman Empire among the triumvirs: Octavian controlled the west, Antony the east, and Lepidus the African provinces.
Who was Sextus Pompeius?
The son of Pompey the Great who controlled Sicily and blocked Roman trade routes, causing grain shortages.
What was Octavian’s strategy to deal with Pompeius?
He worked with Agrippa to plan a naval campaign against him.
In what year did Octavian adopt the title ‘Imperator’?
38 BC.
What did the title ‘Imperator’ signify for Octavian?
It linked him to Julius Caesar, paid homage to his victories, and established him as a military leader.
What was the outcome of Agrippa’s invasion of Sicily in 36 BC?
He completely destroyed Pompeius’ navy.
How did Octavian eliminate Lepidus from power?
He bribed some of Lepidus’ legions to turn on him.
What led to the civil war between Octavian and Antony?
Tensions arose as both sought to declare themselves as Caesar’s legitimate heir.
What strategy did Octavian use to gain support from the urban poor?
He positioned himself as a generous benefactor, providing gifts and public amenities.
What projects did Octavian initiate to improve the quality of life in Rome?
Examples include:
* Temple of the Deified Julius Caesar (42 BC)
* New amphitheatre commissioned by Statilius Taurus (34 BC)
* Urban renewal programs overseen by Agrippa.
Which god did Octavian align himself with?
Apollo.
Which god did Antony choose as his patron?
Dionysus.
What was co-marketing in the context of Octavian and Antony?
The strategy of presenting two distinct figures (themselves and their chosen gods) to influence public perception.
What rumors did Octavian allow to circulate regarding his lineage?
That he was the son of Apollo.
What was the significance of Octavian’s mausoleum?
It reinforced his loyalty to Rome and its people, symbolizing his commitment to the city.
What characterized Livia’s role in Octavian’s political life?
She was an intelligent and beautiful matrona who supported his political career.
What was Octavian’s relationship with Scribonia?
He divorced Scribonia on the day their daughter Julia was born to marry Livia.
How did Octavian and Antony’s marriages affect their political alliances?
Marriages were made and broken to solidify political alliances, with wives playing important supportive roles.
What accusations did Octavian use against Antony?
He accused Antony of anti-Roman behavior, decadence, and effeminacy.
What was the significance of Antony’s relationship with Cleopatra?
It scandalized Rome and was used by Octavian to portray Antony as disloyal.
What was the purpose of the campaign Antony launched in 34 BC?
To preserve his reputation and demonstrate power in the east.
What was Octavian’s political masterstroke in 32 BC?
He seized Antony’s will and read it to the Senate, portraying Antony as disloyal to Rome.
Why did Octavian avoid framing the conflict with Antony as a civil war?
To maintain the image of unity in Rome and avoid the stigma associated with civil wars.
What does ‘Pax Augusti’ refer to?
The peace established by Octavian, personified by the goddess Pax.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Actium?
Octavian won decisively, leading to Antony’s retreat and loss of power.
What was the significance of the denarius minted by Octavian?
It conveyed his promise of peace through war and celebrated his victory.
What date did the Battle of Actium occur?
2nd September 31 BC
Who led the forces to victory at the Battle of Actium?
Octavian with the help of Agrippa
What was the outcome of Antony’s forces during the Battle of Actium?
120 ships retreated; only 40 vessels were sunk/surrendered
How many Roman deaths were reported as a result of the Battle of Actium?
12,000 dead
What significant action did Antony take on 1st August 31 BC?
Committed suicide
What did Cleopatra initially attempt to do after the battle?
Negotiate with Octavian
What was Cleopatra’s fate following her negotiations with Octavian?
Committed suicide on 12th August 30 BC
What province did Octavian take after the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra?
Egypt
What was the nature of the conflict at the Battle of Actium?
A civil war between Romans
Who was Horace and what type of poetry did he write?
A poet who wrote lyric poetry
What did Horace’s work ‘Epode 9’ celebrate?
Octavian’s victory at Actium
What significant act did Octavian perform to commemorate his victory at Actium?
Closing the gates to the Temple of Janus Quirinus
How many times had the gates of the Temple of Janus Quirinus been closed before Octavian’s time?
Twice in all of Rome’s history
What was the primary theme of Propertius’s poetry?
His love for a woman named Cynthia
What type of poetry did Propertius write?
Elegiac poetry
What did Octavian receive from the Senate in 29 BC to commemorate his victories?
A triple triumph
What did the Denarius minted by Octavian feature as a symbol of victory?
Nike, the winged goddess of victory
Fill in the blank: The city founded by Octavian on the site where he camped before battle is called _______.
Nikopolis
True or False: Cleopatra was depicted as a threat in Propertius’s poetry.
True
What did Horace exaggerate about the Battle of Actium in his work ‘Odes 1.37’?
He declared that ‘scarcely a single ship escaped the flames’
What significant gesture did Octavian make to symbolize peace after his victories?
Closing the gates to the Temple of Janus Quirinus
