Week 10 questions Flashcards
What were the major consequences of Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, and how did the power dynamics shift among Marcus Antonius, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus?
Caesar’s assassination aimed to restore the Republic but led to the overthrow of Libertas Restituta. The power struggle resulted in the emergence of three major players: Marcus Antonius, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. Octavian eventually emerged victorious, defeating Antony in Gaul and taking command of eight legions.
Describe the formation and significance of the “Second” Triumvirate (43-32 BCE). How did the alliance between Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian reshape Roman politics?
The “Second” Triumvirate was formed by Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian to share power. This three-man dictatorship aimed to restore the Republic but resulted in proscriptions and murders. The triumvirs governed different regions, and their alliance marked a shift in Roman politics towards a more centralized power structure.
How did the Battle of Actium (31 BCE) contribute to Octavian’s undisputed rule and the establishment of the Principate? Explain the significance of this naval battle.
The Battle of Actium was a naval battle in 31 BCE that saw Octavian’s navy cutting off Antony and Cleopatra. Octavian’s victory solidified his undisputed rule over Rome. This marked the beginning of the Principate and Octavian’s sole control over the Roman world, as Antony and Cleopatra both took their own lives.
Discuss the Augustan Principate and the measures taken by Octavian (Augustus) to consolidate power while maintaining the appearance of the Republic. How did he address concerns about tyranny?
The Augustan Principate was characterized by Octavian’s undisputed rule, though he maintained a facade of Republican governance. Octavian returned powers to the Senate but immediately regained them, known as princeps. He rejected the title of dictator and emphasized repudiating tyranny while holding significant power, including the titles of Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, and Pater Patriae.
What were the key features of the Augustan Cultural Revolution, both in terms of political restructuring and cultural changes in Roman society? Provide examples of physical and literary monuments that exemplify this transformation.
The Augustan Cultural Revolution reshaped Roman politics and society during the Augustan Principate (31 BCE – 14 CE). Physical monuments included inscriptions, coinage, statues, and public works. Literary monuments, such as Horace’s Odes and Carmen Saeculare, were also influential. The revolution marked a shift in the cityscape, public sanitation, and the creation of new cultural responses to the political reality.
In what ways did Augustus (Octavian) promote the idea of an age of peace during his rule? Explain the concept of Pax Romana, and provide specific examples from his Res Gestae and other sources.
Augustus promoted the idea of an age of peace, known as Pax Romana. In Res Gestae, he claimed to bring peace to Italy and the provinces, extending even to regions previously untouched by Rome. The closure of the Temple of Janus symbolized peace. Additionally, Augustus described his peaceful achievements in areas like the Alps and the lands of the Cimbri in Res Gestae.
Explore the physical monuments associated with the Augustan Principate. How did Augustus use these monuments to project his influence and reshape the cityscape of Rome? Provide examples.
Physical monuments associated with the Augustan Principate included inscriptions, coinage, statues, and public works like theaters and temples. Augustus used these monuments to project his influence by ensuring his face, name, deeds, and influence were visible everywhere. Examples include the Forum Augustum, the Temple of Mars Ultor, and the inscription on the Shield of the Julian Senate-house.
Examine the literary monuments of the Augustan era. How did imperial patronage support literary works, and what role did poets like Horace play in shaping the cultural landscape under Augustus?
literary monuments, supported by imperial patronage, played a crucial role in the Augustan era. Poets like Horace, patronized by Maecenas, received support for their works. Literary pieces, such as Horace’s Odes and Carmen Saeculare, contributed to shaping the cultural landscape by celebrating Augustus’s rule and emphasizing enduring legacies.
