Account of the Emperor Caesar Augustus
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This research paper discusses and analyzes the posthumous Res Gestae, or account of his stewardship in office, left by the Emperor Caesar Augustus (B.C. 63-A.D. 14). The Res Gestae, like most political autobiographies, is deficient in that it is subjective and self-serving. It recounts those facets of his long period of rule which Augustus wished to emphasize and the world to remember while omitting or distorting others. On the other hand, it is a remarkable historical document, not only because it clearly conveys the principal accomplishments of the Augustan era, but also because it captures the essence of Augustus' unique approach to governance and the benevolence of his despotic rule which largely responded to the needs of the Roman Empire and its people. Origins, Authenticity and Summary of Contents and Style The Res Gestae, index rerum a se gestarum or Acts of Augustus, was one of four documents left by Augustus at his death with the Vestal Virgins for safekeeping. His instructions were for it "to be inscribed on bronze tablets and set up in front of his mausoleum." In fact, the main sources of the surviving inscriptions in Latin and Greek were found in Galatia (modern Ankara), principally on the temple of 'Rome and Augustus' at Ancyra there. Although portions of the inscriptions are damaged, almost all of them have been restored. By comparing the texts with other writings of Augustus, all experts agree that the Res Gestae so discovered is hi
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put to death Caesarion, the son of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. According to Brunt & Moore, "it may be doubted if contemporaries were much impressed with his claim to clemency." As for foreign enemies, Augustus would leave them alone if they were willing to pay tribute and did not represent a danger to Rome's safety.
Constitutional Settlement of B.C. 27
After his victory over Mark Antony at Actium and his conquest of Egypt in B.C. 30, Augustus was the undisputed master of Rome. In his account, he recites the many honors bestowed upon and the triumphs and ovations, etc. staged on his behalf by a grateful nation, but he skips over the details of the constitutional settlement of B.C. 27. He merely says in para. 34 that "I transferred the republic from my own control to the will of the senate and the Roman people." Essentially, Scarre says "Octavian went through the pantomine of giving up power to the Senate, and receiving most of it back again." He reinstated the magistrates, the senate and popular bodies in their old constitutional role. In return, he had himself named consul, a power which was renewed annually down to B.C. 23, retained untrammeled consular authority over a number of provinces, including Spain, Gaul, Egypt, Syria
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Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page)
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