Roman Sources Flashcards
1
Q
Augustus - Res Gestae
A
- Biased review of achievements - propaganda
2
Q
Julius Caesar - Gallic Wars
A
I came I saw I conquered; biased but highlights success in extending Empire
3
Q
Cicero
A
- Was a new man (novus homo) who rose to become consul in 63BCE. Orator & successful in law courts
- Many speeches & letters survive
- Championed a return to Republican values & thus made himself unpopular with Caesar et al
4
Q
Dionysius of Halicarnassus
A
- Was a Greek who lived in Rome during the 1st Century BC after the end of the civil wars
- He wrote a history of Rome & taught rhetoric
5
Q
Plutarch
A
- Biographer of Julius Caesar amongst others, writing c100 A.D
- Selective use of evidence but can cross-ref with Cicero letters
- Generally hostile to Caesar seeing him as responsible for the downfall of the republic
6
Q
Suetonius
A
- Writing in the second century AD so was dependent on some records and rumour
- Purpose clearly “gossip” orientated tater than policy
7
Q
Tacitus
A
- Writing at the end of the first century AD under “cruel” reign of Domitian. This influenced views on Emperors such as Tiberius and Nero; bad characters = bad rulers
- Hero worshipped father-in-law Agricola; a good strong military leader
8
Q
Virgil - the Aeneid
A
- Associated with mythical ancestors of Augustus - descended from the heroes of Troy
- Biased sponsored by Augustus
