The auguststan clutural revolution

Question 1

Augustan Cultural Revolution

Answer 1

Reshaping of Roman politics and society during the Augustan Principate (31 BCE – 14 CE).
Augustus ruled unchallenged for 45 years.
Reshaping includes physical and literary monuments, as well as a cultural response to the new political reality.

Question 2

War and Peace in Augustan Era

Answer 2

Perception of Pax Romana, an age of peace under Augustus.
Augustus claims to have brought peace to Italy and the provinces, even extending to regions previously untouched by Rome.
Reference to the closure of the Temple of Janus, symbolizing peace, as noted in Res Gestae.

Question 3

physical Monuments

Answer 3

Augustus’s Res Gestae inscribed throughout the Roman world.
Examples of physical monuments include coinage, statues, and architectural structures.
These monuments served as reminders of Augustus, embodying the state and his influence.

Question 4

Augustan Coinage

Answer 4

Description of a specific coin featuring symbolism related to Augustus.
Interpretation and analysis of the symbolism, asking what messages are conveyed.
The coin represents elements like Caelus, Sol, Aurora, Hispania, and the Parthian Peace.

Question 5

Public Works

Answer 5

Massive building program throughout the Empire under Augustus.
Preservation of famous monuments from this era.
Improvements in public sanitation, health, safety, theaters, temples, contributing to a new cityscape.

Question 6

Forum Augustum

Answer 6

Transformation from Julius Caesar’s Forum Julium to Augustus’s Forum.
Features like the Temple of Mars Ultor and statues representing peace and war.
Aeneid reference (Aeneid 6.847-8) emphasizing Rome’s mission to guide with authority, impose peace, spare the conquered, and subdue the proud.

Question 7

Literary Monuments

Answer 7

Literary works supported by imperial patronage and direction.
Example: Horace’s Odes 3.30, emphasizing the endurance of literary monuments compared to physical ones.
Maecenas as a wealthy supporter of Augustus, patronizing famous Roman poets.

Question 8

Carmen Saeculare

Answer 8

Meaning “Song of the Age.”
Commissioned for the Ludi Saeculares, celebratory games marking a new era.
Includes a prayer for fertility, prosperity, and a plea to Apollo and Diana.

Question 9

An Age of Peace (Literary)

Answer 9

Reference to peace in Horace’s works.
Recognition of Rome’s effective power, influencing regions like Parthia, Scythia, and India.
Emphasis on the greatness of Rome in the nurturing sun’s eyes.