A discussion of the Pax Romana, the unprecedented era of peace and tranquility that existed in the civilized world after the first emperor Augustus assumed control circa 31 BCE.
Abstract This paper discusses the Pax Romana that began under the rule of Emperor Augustus, and demonstrates that this era of relative peace and prosperity was ushered in due to Augustus' wise political maneuverings and his unwavering faith in the high value of morality in Roman life. Augustus firmly believed that the wicked and evil people of the world had undeniably corrupted Roman society and culture, which led to the civil wars that plagued the Romans during the waning years of the Republic. Under the imperial rule of Augustus, he desired to restore morality to the people and thereby ensure a lasting peace. A brief history of Augustus is given at the beginning of the paper, telling of his early life and adoption by Julius Caesar as his appropriate heir. Ancient sources are heavily quoted in order to give an extensive background into Augustus' character and the emphasis he put on honor and ethical living. As Emperor, Augustus' foreign and domestic policies are examined in order to demonstrate how his actions would set the foundation for years of peace throughout the civilized world. His peaceful dealings with the "barbarians" in the Middle East and his desire to firmly establish a Northern border in Central Europe would help outline the Roman Empire for all people and establish a strict yet orderly system of enforcing the borders and keeping the citizens safe. The paper ends with an examination in how Augustus' personal beliefs were reflected in the policies that he created as Emperor. The main point of this section summarizes that due in large part to Augustus viewing himself as the moral savior or Rome, he desired that his legacy be as a unifier, not a conqueror, so many of his policies were created as a way to keep Rome secure and stable long after Augustus' own death.
From the Paper "When Octavian became the emperor Augustus, he brought about drastic changes to Rome's political and social environments. Augustus' foreign and domestic policies during his reign created safety and security for the Roman people that were unparalleled at the time of their initiations. As Augustus began to consolidate his power in Rome as emperor, the city and its territories entered into an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity that would be dubbed the Pax Romana, literally translated as the Roman Peace. This concept was directly linked to Augustus' handling of foreign nations and domestic affairs, transforming potential problems into subdued and passive situations that would hold for nearly 200 years after Augustus' death. The Pax Romana was a period of time that was directly inspired by Augustus' own personal beliefs and early experiences; Augustus realized that without order and control over Rome and her territories, the civil wars, violence and political unrest would control Rome, just as it did when he was growing up into adulthood."
Abstract This paper considers the various ways Augustus used religion and religious beliefs to strengthen the position of his regime during the period 43 BCE - 14 CE. Focus is placed on the role of religion as an agent of social inclusion, especially for the disenfranchised social groups produced by the Augustan social and Moral Legislation. The Emperor's position and the centre of state religion and how this was achieved is also assessed, as is the impact of a number of these religious changes, notably the significance of the changing role of priesthoods.
From the Paper "Religion, religious belief and religious imagery are all core components of the Augustan regime's rise to power and exploiting such beliefs enhanced Augustus' position considerably. As with almost every aspect of the Augustan settlement with the state it is effectively a piecemeal activity and thus it is difficult for one to discuss the religious policy of Augustus, however, consideration can be given to a number of events and decisions which show the various ways Augustus used religion and religious ideas to enhance his position."
Abstract This paper discusses how, although both Julius Caesar and Augustus improvised political strategies to support their respective dominance of the Roman world, Augustus was successful while Julius Caesar was not due to the respect that Augustus paid to the formalities and conventions of Roman political life. The paper looks at how Julius Caesar relied on the overt exercise of power and relegated the senate to a marginal position in the state and how, in comparison, Augustus employed power in covert ways and understood that he could retain absolute power as long as he paid "lip service" to republican values.
From the Paper "The office of "dictator" in the Roman Republic was a position that granted its holder extraordinary powers. It was thus rarely granted by the state, and usually in times of emergency when a unified command was critical to the survival of Rome. However, given the echoes of absolute royal power in this office, Romans carefully limited the powers of the office to six months or the duration of the emergency; whichever was shorter (BGT 26-27). Julius Caesar, in his calculated political improvisation in a time of Civil War, relied heavily upon repeated grants of the dictatorship to give a veneer of legitimacy and legal authority to his supreme military and political power. In February 44, Caesar finally decided to assume the dictatorship for life as a matter of convenience (BGT 160)."
Abstract This paper focuses on the nature of the constitutional changes under Augustus and the response of various aspects of society. It attempts to determine why Augustus continued to alter his powers and roles within the state until 19BC, and what, if any, underlying purpose or intention can be observed.
From the Paper "It is also significant and worth noting the way in which the settlements served to link Augustus to the idea of the Republic. The Res Gestae ends with the grant of the title Patrem Patriae, illustrating the significance Augustus placed on this title, which is a perfect example of 'his greatest political achievement having promoted the development of a patriotism that combined the legacy of the Republic and his own accomplishments in preserving that legacy' thus linking the two intrinsically in the political culture. However, the settlements are more than simple assertions of his links to and reverence for ancestral customs. Through the settlements and accompanying propaganda there is a deliberate attempt to establish Augustus as the saviour of the state. This important image of Augustus is highlighted by many events and sources."
Abstract The paper describes the funeral and the Mausoleum of Augustus that is Emperor Augustus' final resting place. The paper shows how the iconology surrounding his grave is full of images of his success, his relationship to Rome, his strength, his role as a leader of Rome's army and his ascension to the heavens.
Outline:
The Funeral
The Final Resting Place - the Mausoleum
From the Paper "Augustus (63 BC- AD 14) was one of the most beloved and successful emperors of the ancient Roman Empire. A visit to Rome will find numerous statues of the Emperor Augustus, all of which depict him as a young, handsome, virile Roman soldier and statesman. Even though Augustus lived to be quite old, he is, for the most part, in the imagery that survived him, young in appearance. The message conveyed was one of a youthful leader, a strong leader, who possessed all the attributes associated with that most precious and desired time in the life of a person; their youth."
Abstract This paper discusses how the "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" is a fitting tribute to the man some later historians would call Rome's first emperor and how it is especially appropriate since Augustus wrote it in his own hand, making the "Res Gestae" a unique historical document in which he not only lists his many achievements and honours, but also projects a carefully crafted image of himself into history. This paper take as its theme Augustus' attempts to legitimize those actions which led to his unprecedented position of power in the Roman state through his writing of the "Res Gestae", considering three principle examples derived from a close-reading of the first paragraph of the aforementioned text.
From the Paper "The fact that Octavian entered politics by "[his] own decision" adds to both his unique status, and may be additionally viewed as an aspect of his pietas, especially if his motivation was to "[free] the republic oppressed by the tyranny of a faction." While we will not argue the two above mentioned aspects of Augustus, namely his youth and his entry into politics of his own volition, it is nevertheless apparent that Julius Caesar was a formative influence on the young man, both raising him to the Patrician rank, as well as naming his as the chief beneficiary of his will. Still, in writing the Res Gestae Augustus is crafting a document of perception, and we must necessarily ask, how did he want people to perceive him? The answer is clear: in the best possible light. "
Abstract This paper looks at Ovid's poem Art of Love, which cheerfully preached the art of seduction and adultery. Eventually Augustus, the ruler of Rome, regarded Ovid as a threat to his moral regime and exiled the poet in 8 C.E. This paper looks at "Art of Love" and examines how Ovid delighted in poking irreverent fun at everything from the sanctity of Roman marriage to the serious consequences of adultery instituted by the Augustan reforms, and how this was considered subversive to Augustan reform.
From the Paper "Augustus greatly preferred the poetry of his patron poets, specifically Virgil and Horace. Ovid, however, scorns Virgil's Aeneid, an epic poem portraying a panoramic history of Rome and its destiny. The hero, Aeneas, was driven by his piety, that is, his duty towards the gods and his devotion to his father. Ovid exhibits his rebellious intentions by mocking the traditional aspects of an epic poem. For example, Virgil begins the Aeneid by summoning the Muses and asking for their guidance in his telling of the tale. Ovid, on the other hand, does not abide by this custom; instead he grants himself credit for having previous knowledge on the subject of his writing. He states his work is clearly "based on experience: what I write, believe me, I have practiced" (Ovid 167). Thus, Ovid obviously states he has no need for the aid of the Muses, at the same time taunting Augustan tradition."
Abstract This ten-page undergraduate paper is a thematic account of design issues, the way elements were incorporated, and the relationship between traditional and innovative aspects of architecture in the Ara Pacis of Augustus.
Abstract This paper looks at the rule of Augustus Caesar in ancient Roman times. It discusses how his rule changed aspects of Roman society and which dramatic changes he instituted. It also discusses military rule and battles fought at the time.
From the Paper "In the early days of January, 27 B.C.E., Octavian made an appearance before the Roman Senate and made it known to all those in attendance that his power in Rome was supreme and undeniable. It was at this meeting that Octavian honored himself by assuming the name of Augustus Caesar, an action that was well-accepted by most members of the Senate, due to the fact that Octavius had chosen a good number of them himself. In addition, the entire Senate took a pledge of allegiance to Augustus Caesar and made him emperor of Rome. In essence, this act not only made Augustus the most powerful man in the known world but also set the stage for fundamental changes in Roman culture which would determine the destiny of Western civilization."
Abstract This paper discusses how, following his consolidation of power within the remains of the Roman Republican political system, Augustus attempted to ensure the stability of his imperiate in 18 B.C.E. by economically incentivizing traditional Roman morals among the Roman populace. It examines how he established two laws, promoting marriage and procreation in the "lex Iulia de maritandis ordinibus" and morality in the l"ex Iulia de adulteriis coercendis". It also looks at how the ordering of women figures so importantly in this social contract for two interconnected reasons, how the incentives of the Augustan social contract lured women to marriage, and second, how the deterrents of the laws against remaining unmarried similarly lured women to marriage.
From the Paper "Marriages declined, it seemed to Augustus, as a result of this widespread, societal moral failing. Augustus himself sought to stop this wave of immorality by confronting the equites. In Augustus? Legislation on Morals, Augustus is quoted chastising unmarried members of the equites: "for you see for yourselves how much more numerous you are than the married men, when you" should have produced numerous offspring by now. With a falling off in marriage comes a falling off in child production. ?"that with many dying all the time by disease and many in war it is impossible for the city to maintain itself, unless its population" continually supplied it with a steady supply of offspring. Augustus's urgings were futile attempts to bring about a change ? he needed something more."
Tags:augustus, iulia, julia, lex, maritandis, ordinibus, marriage
Abstract This paper examines the careers of Julius Caesar and Augustus and discusses their importance in Roman history. The paper provides biographical information on each figure and looks at how each one entered the political arena and rose to the top. It looks at their careers as leaders of the Roman empire and their importance in history.
From the Paper "After returning to Rome, Caesar built up a reputation as a skillful advocate and orator, and was considered second only to the famous orator, Cicero in the powers of persuasion. He carefully developed contacts in Rome's corridors of power, and supported popular causes. Other stepping stones on his path to political prominence include his election to the College of Pontiffs in 73 BC, Military Tribune in 72 BC, and as quaestor in 69 BC under the governor of Spain. He was also elected as the "curule aedile" (urban magistrate)?a position which enabled him to arrange spectacular public entertainments such as gladiatorial games and fund lavish building projects. He also supported the politically powerful Pompey and Marcus Crassus, a rich patrician, forming an unofficial three-way alliance that has become known in history as the ?First Triumvirate.? In order to cement the political ties Caesar also gave his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage and was duly supported by Pompey in his election as consul (59 BC), followed by appointment as governor of Roman Gaul in 58 BC."
Abstract This paper discusses the ideas and works of poets, Augustus Toplay and Matthew Arnold. The paper contends that Toplay, like Arnold, believed that human life was empty and lonely without the presence of the divine and the striving of humanity to understand God and to integrate God into the daily life of humans. The paper examines Toplay's belief that judgment absent of pure democratic will must reign, but unlike Arnold, he was concerned that such a moral regime would be coherent theologically with what Toplay considered true, that is, traditional.
From the Paper "In Matthew Arnold's prose and poetry, such as his essay "Hebraism and Hellenism," and his patriotic poetic panegyric "Dover Beach," the Victorian intellectual literary critic Arnold stood as an apostle of Englishness, and all that was good about conservative, British values and the British value structure versus mob rule. However, despite this posturing, Arnold was also a devout exponent of the lack of value of the British Empire as an institution and exporter of Englishness. Arnold instead believed that British culture, rather than the British Empire, should be the dominant way that England communicated its schema of values to the world. "Dover Beach" is a melancholy meditation on the long "withdrawing roar" of the "Sea of Faith," in other words, that God has abandoned humanity, because humanity has abandoned God in its line of thought, and human life is empty without God and a seeking-after God as opposed to world riches, as is common when government obeys the populist will and whim towards empire building."
Abstract This paper examines Augustus' reasons behind the reform of the Roman army from a number of perspectives from the traditional political and military to the social impact of military reforms and the changes in military career patterns.
From the Paper "One of the most visible reforms of the Roman Army carried out by Augustus' occurred immediately after his victory at Actium in 31BC. 'At the time of the battle of Actium the opponents appear to have commanded more than 60 legions between them,' a massive amount of manpower never previously mobilised. Following Octavian's victory this number was reduced considerably, 'after Actium Augustus seems to have picked 28 legions out of the fifty odd at his disposal, disbanding the rest.' Scullard describes 'the first task of Augustus was to reduce the swollen forces, of over sixty legions, that were under arms at the end of the civil war, and retain what he regarded as the necessary minimum.' Why the number of legions was so drastically reduced is linked to two interconnected factors, simple necessity and finance. "
Abstract This essay argues that the ancient Roman historian, Tacitus' critique of the Roman state under Augustus and his successors is essential to an understanding of how in Roman times constitutional power was subtly modified to create an imperium that was disguised under the "fictions" of republican or representative authority. The paper also discusses the views of Anthony Esler in his discussion of the history of Rome under the Empire.
From the Paper "The Masking of Imperial Power: Augustus and the Roman "Compromise" The ancient Roman historian Tacitus, in his critical review of the recent history of his state, cynically examined the "compromise" by which Augustus Caesar reconstructed the Roman state after decades of Civil War."
From the Paper " Augustus, adopted son and heir to Julius Caesar, was a master of political propaganda; marshalling many different types of public display in order to make his new status and power seem appropriate and justified (figs. 1-4). The statue, Augustus of Prima Porta, is but one of many that was erected throughout the Roman Empire during his reign. Augustus recognized that the vast majority of his subjects would never see him in life but could view him in the carefully controlled context of officially sanctioned, produced, and distributed statuary. This statue shows the emperor Augustus with an entire catalogue of the symbolism that confirms his divine authority and talents."
