Augustus' "Res Gestae"

Book Review # 114571

History > Greek and Roman
Literature > Greek and Roman

An analysis of the theme of legitimizing Roman power in Augustus' "Res Gestae".

2,333 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2009 Canada

Paper Summary:

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emperor and how it is especially appropriate since Augustus wrote it in his own hand, making the "Res Gestae" a unique historical document in which he not only lists his many achievements and honours, but also projects a carefully crafted image of himself into history.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. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Eck, Werner. 2003. The Age of Augustus. Translated by Deborah Lucas Schneider; new material by Sarolta A. Takacs. Oxford, UK: Blackwell.
Zanker, Paul. 1990. The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus. Translated by Alan Shapiro. Ann Arbor: University Press.