Res Gestae

Question 1

when was it made

Answer 1

13/14 AD

Augustus claims to be 76

Question 2

what did it focus on

Answer 2

Augustus’ life and achievements

Question 3

What was not directly referenced?

Answer 3

Civil wars

Question 4

how are Brutus and Cassius called

Answer 4

‘those men who murdered my Father’

Question 5

what are frequent references

Answer 5

references to the senate and magistrates, and that Augustus acted on their behalf sticking to republican rules

Question 6

What are three themes that link to the Res Gestae and what do they mean?

Answer 6

imperator- strong military leader

Pater Patriae- authority Father figure

peace- stability and prosperity

Question 7

what did paragraphs 2-14 mainly describe

Answer 7

political career
(offices and political honours, including what he refused)

Question 8

what did paragraphs 15-24 mainly describe?

Answer 8

public benefactions
(lists donations of money, land and grain to citizens and soldiers, lists public works and gladiatorial spectacles…emphasises it was done with own money)

Question 9

What did paragraphs 25-33 mainly describe

Answer 9

military achievements (lists military deeds and alliances forged)

Question 10

What did paragraphs 34-35 mainly describe

Answer 10

political statement (returns republic to senate, Augustus honoured by public and senate)

Question 11

What was the purpose of writing this

Answer 11

tells positive story, from own perspective and presents himself as the best person possible

Question 12

what did Augustus emphasise on?

Answer 12

first among equals and has restored traditional government

Question 13

to some extent it worked- how?

Answer 13

contributed to Augustus being known as a ‘good’ emperor