1.1 Augustus 31 BC- AD 14 Flashcards
(162 cards)
1
Q
Who began a new era in Rome?
A
Augustus began a new era in Rome.
2
Q
What was Augustus’ name as a young man?
A
He was named Octavian.
3
Q
What did Augustus achieve as a result of civil wars?
A
He was the eventual victor in civil wars that had dominated the first century BC.
4
Q
What title did Augustus hold during his reign?
A
He was Rome’s first princeps.
5
Q
What years did Augustus reign?
A
His reign lasted from 27 BC to AD 14.
6
Q
What model of government did Augustus establish?
A
He established the model of government known as the principate.
7
Q
What was the basis of the principate?
A
It was ostensibly based on the centuries-old system of government known as the Republic.
8
Q
How were executive magistrates elected in the Republic?
A
They were all elected for just one year and always with colleagues.
9
Q
What was the cursus honorum?
A
It was a series of positions of increasing importance in a political career.
10
Q
What significant event took place on 2 September in 31 BC?
A
The battle of Actium
11
Q
Who were the two main rivals in the battle of Actium?
A
Mark Antony and Octavian
12
Q
Who was Octavian?
A
Julius Caesar’s adopted son, later named Augustus
13
Q
What was the outcome of the battle of Actium?
A
Established Octavian as the dominant power in the Mediterranean
14
Q
Who commanded the forces of the western Roman Empire during the battle of Actium?
A
Octavian, aided by Marcus Agrippa
15
Q
Who allied with Mark Antony during the battle?
A
Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt
16
Q
What was the nature of the battle of Actium?
A
Political rivalry that escalated into armed conflict
17
Q
What did Cleopatra and Antony do before the outcome of the battle was settled?
A
Fled
18
Q
What effectively ended the conflict after the battle of Actium?
A
Octavian being established as the ‘last man standing’
19
Q
What town did Octavian found near the battle site?
A
Nikopolis (‘Victory City’)
20
Q
What did Octavian dedicate to commemorate his victory?
A
A victory offering of ten ships
21
Q
True or False: The battle of Actium was a decisive battle with a clear outcome.
A
False
22
Q
Fill in the blank: The battle of Actium ended the civil war between Mark Antony and _______.
A
Octavian
23
Q
What was a major propaganda effort by Octavian after his victory?
A
Exploiting the victory for political gain
24
Q
What was set up overlooking the sea at Nikopolis?
A
A huge monument
25
What inscription survives at a nearby temple to Apollo?
The inscription from the monument at Nikopolis
26
What event marked the beginning of peace and stability for the Roman world according to Octavian's literature?
Victory at Actium
## Footnote
This event was used by Octavian to promote his image as a leader of the Roman Senate and People.
27
Which poets emphasized the defeat of Cleopatra in their works?
Virgil and Horace
## Footnote
Virgil's Aeneid and Horace's Ode 1.37 both focus on Cleopatra as a foreign enemy.
28
What does the Res Gestae claim about Octavian's leadership?
'The whole of Italy of its own accord demanded [Octavian] as its commander for the war in which [he] conquered at Actium.'
## Footnote
This statement reinforces Octavian's image as a leader following his victory.
29
How did the presentation of Actium contribute to Augustus' popularity?
It portrayed him as a leader of the Roman Senate and People, leading to few significant moments of opposition
## Footnote
The successful propaganda may explain Augustus' enduring popularity.
30
What was Velleius Paterculus' observation about Augustus' return to Rome?
'Huge crowds and universal acclaim' greeted him
## Footnote
This indicates the public support Augustus enjoyed after his campaigns.
31
What was the significance of Actium in relation to Augustus' public image?
It was the keystone of Augustus’ public image
## Footnote
The victory at Actium played a crucial role in shaping how he was viewed by the Roman people.
32
Fill in the blank: The poets Virgil and Horace emphasized the defeat of _______ rather than a fellow Roman.
Cleopatra
## Footnote
This distinction was important in the context of presenting Actium.
33
What significant event did Octavian hold upon returning to Rome in 29 BC?
The Triple Triumph
## Footnote
The Triple Triumph celebrated victories in Dalmatia, Actium, and Alexandria.
34
What was created in Rome to memorialize Octavian's Triple Triumph?
A triumphal triple arch
## Footnote
Although the original arch does not survive, copies were established throughout the empire.
35
How did Augustus commemorate his military successes during his reign?
Through coinage
## Footnote
This began with the Triple Triumph itself.
36
What did the visual rhetoric of the arch and coinage reinforce?
The military might of Octavian
## Footnote
This presentation lessened during his reign as he sought to distance himself from his earlier militaristic image.
37
What significant military campaigns did Augustus commemorate on coins?
The capture of Egypt and the annexation of Armenia
## Footnote
These events were commemorated in 27 BC and 20/19/18 BC respectively.
38
What concept did the Pax Augusta establish?
Peace and stability
## Footnote
The Romans viewed themselves as having a divine mandate to bring peace to the world.
39
What did Augustus claim about the doors of the Temple of Janus Quirinus?
They were closed three times during his reign
## Footnote
This symbolized peace throughout the Empire.
40
How many times had the doors of the Temple of Janus been closed before Augustus' birth?
Twice
## Footnote
Augustus claimed his birth marked a new age of peace.
41
Which literary work promotes the idea that Augustus was predestined to rule?
Virgil's Aeneid
## Footnote
Key passages include 1.257-96 and 6.752-806.
42
What does Suetonius repeat regarding the doors of the Temple of Janus?
The claim about their closure during Augustus' reign
## Footnote
This reflects the significance of peace in Augustus' rule.
43
What was the Ara Pacis Augustae?
The Altar of Augustan Peace
## Footnote
It was proposed by the Senate and dedicated on 30 January 9 BC.
44
What did Velleius Paterculus record about the state of Rome under Augustus?
The civil wars were now dead and buried
## Footnote
His writings reflect a Rome wearied by war finding respite under Augustus.
45
What tone is found in an ode by Horace regarding Augustus?
A tone of relief and praise
## Footnote
This reflects the sentiment of a populace weary from conflict.
46
What transformation did Octavian undergo to become Augustus?
He changed his image from a grand military victor to a leader with constitutionally ratified power
## Footnote
This transformation was necessary due to the Roman hatred of concentrated power.
47
What historical event led to Roman resentment of power in one individual?
The expulsion of the last king in 510 BC and Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC
## Footnote
These events shaped the political landscape and views on governance in Rome.
48
What did Augustus need to prevent resentment towards his leadership?
A formal allocation of powers by the Senate, on behalf of the people
## Footnote
This was crucial to maintain the appearance of a republic.
49
How did Augustus acquire autocratic powers according to Dio?
He feigned rejection of powers offered by the Senate and accepted them on their insistence
## Footnote
This strategy was part of the First Constitutional Settlement of 27 BC.
50
What was the reaction of the Senate to Augustus' rejection of power?
There was an outcry in the Curia against his 'selfless' rejection of power
## Footnote
The Senate had mixed feelings, with some aware of his true intentions.
51
What did the First Constitutional Settlement of 27 BC mark the beginning of?
The principate
## Footnote
This settlement laid the groundwork for Augustus' rule and the structure of future emperors.
52
What title was given to Octavian, and what does it signify?
Augustus (revered one), signifying his supremacy
## Footnote
This title had unprecedented significance in Roman politics.
53
What honors were granted to Augustus in the First Constitutional Settlement?
His doorposts could be decorated with laurel, award of the Civic Crown, Shield of Virtue, and recognition of his auctoritas
## Footnote
These honors were also used for propaganda purposes.
54
What aspect of real power did the First Constitutional Settlement give Augustus?
Control over key provinces, notably military provinces
## Footnote
Augustus' control ensured he maintained significant military power.
55
What was the significance of the imperium proconsulare maius established in the Second Constitutional Settlement?
It reaffirmed the princeps as the head of the Roman army, allowing him to overrule provincial governors
## Footnote
This power was crucial for maintaining military control.
56
What is tribunicia potestas, and why is it significant?
It is the power of the emperor to pass legislation and call the Senate, signifying the supremacy of the emperor's position
## Footnote
This power was essential for Augustus to enact his reforms and laws.
57
How did Augustus ensure his powers could be inherited?
By codifying the powers in a constitutional manner during the Second Constitutional Settlement
## Footnote
This foresight addressed the issue of succession.
58
What observation did Tacitus make about Augustus' rise to power?
Augustus 'rose up gradually and drew to himself the responsibilities of senate, magistrates and laws'
## Footnote
This reflects the subtle consolidation of his authority.
59
True or False: Augustus' powers were officially recognized as part of the traditional Roman government structure.
False
## Footnote
His powers were super-constitutional, existing above the traditional governance.
60
What was disputed regarding Augustus' restoration of the Republic?
It depended more on interpretation of the evidence than anything else.
## Footnote
Tacitus and Velleius Paterculus have opposing views on the same facts.
61
What did Augustus ensure despite restoring the organs and practices of the Republic?
He retained ultimate control of these elements.
## Footnote
This indicates a blend of restoration and autocratic rule.
62
What fundamental idea was important for Augustus?
The idea of restoration.
## Footnote
This was highlighted in contemporary poetry.
63
Which poet's work highlights the need for social and moral restoration during Augustus' time?
Horace's Ode 3.6.
## Footnote
It reflects the perspective that Rome had become corrupt and decadent.
64
How did Augustus portray himself in relation to Rome?
As Rome's saviour.
## Footnote
This was part of his strategy to maintain the facade of republicanism.
65
What does Augustus' coinage suggest about his self-presentation?
He wished to be seen as a restorer of the Republic.
## Footnote
This aligns with his broader political strategy.
66
How does Virgil refer to Augustus in the Aeneid?
As he who shall bring back again the age of thought unsurprising.
## Footnote
This emphasizes Augustus' role in revival.
67
What did Augustus focus on in terms of moral and social purity?
He did not wish native Roman stock to be tainted with foreign or servile blood.
## Footnote
This reflects his views on traditional family values.
68
What were the 'Julian Law on the duties of husbands' and 'Julian Law on constraining adultery' aimed at?
Promoting legitimate offspring among Rome's upper classes.
## Footnote
These laws indicate that adultery was common among them.
69
What did the poet Ovid compare Augustus to in his praise of the reforms?
Romulus.
## Footnote
This suggests a positive view of Augustus' moral reforms.
70
What significant administrative action did Augustus carry out related to the census?
He conducted the first official census of the Roman people in 42 years.
## Footnote
This was part of his focus on renewal and stability.
71
How many lustra (censuses) did Augustus complete and in which years?
Three lustra in 28 BC, 8 BC, and AD 14.
## Footnote
Each census showed an increase in the total citizen population.
72
What does the census data argue about Augustus' rule?
That under Augustus, Rome is flourishing.
## Footnote
It highlights his focus on renewal and stability.
73
What did Augustus claim regarding the offices he took?
He took no office that contravened ancestral customs.
## Footnote
This illustrates his commitment to traditionalism.
74
What office did Augustus refuse despite being offered it repeatedly?
Dictator.
## Footnote
This demonstrates his desire to maintain a republican facade.
75
What did Augustus do after attaining the office of Pontifex Maximus?
He collected and destroyed 2,000 volumes of prophetic verse.
## Footnote
This act reflects his control over tradition.
76
What did Augustus edit to fit his ideals?
The Sibylline Books.
## Footnote
This represents his influence on religious tradition.
77
What role did religion play in Augustus' propaganda?
Religion was key for underlining his role as helmsman of the ship of state.
78
Which poet depicted Augustus as a god incarnate?
Horace in Ode 1.2.
79
How many simultaneous priesthoods did Augustus hold according to the Res Gestae?
Seven priesthoods (7.2-3).
80
What was the number of restored shrines recorded by Augustus in the Res Gestae?
Eighty-two (20.4).
81
What number of temples restored is mentioned by Virgil?
Three hundred (Aeneid 8.716).
82
What did Ovid focus on in his second book of the Fasti?
The restoration of temples.
83
What did eastern provinces petition for after Egypt was added to the Roman Empire?
To worship their new emperor as a living god.
84
What did Augustus think about the worship of a living individual?
He considered it dangerous, especially in Rome and the west.
85
Which city successfully petitioned Octavian to build a temple for him and Rome?
Pergamum in Asia Minor.
86
How did the imperial cult benefit Augustus in the empire?
It could bind all peoples under imperial rule.
87
What is the divine aspect that Romans believed everyone had?
Numen.
88
What did worship of Augustus' numen allow?
It allowed him to accrue benefits of worship without claiming to be more than human.
89
What inscription provides evidence of worshipping Augustus in Narbo?
An inscription on an altar to the numen of Augustus dated AD 12-13.
90
What did Ovid's Fasti mention regarding the worship of Augustus?
The divine spirit of Augustus being worshipped at crossroads.
91
What type of priests were associated with the cult of the Augustan Lares?
Priests chosen from freedmen.
92
What criticism did Tacitus make regarding Augustus and traditional Roman religion?
There were no honours left for the gods due to Augustus' worship.
93
Fill in the blank: The imperial cult was tolerated only in the _______.
East.
94
What was a fundamental administrative change made by Augustus in Rome?
Division of Rome into thirteen districts under magistrates chosen annually by lot
## Footnote
This division was further subdivided into wards under locally elected supervisors.
95
What did Augustus do to extend the boundary of Rome's pomerium?
Acquisition of new territories for the Empire
## Footnote
This was noted in Res Gestae 26-7 and Tacitus, Annals 12.23.
96
Which public service did Augustus introduce to address fire hazards in the city?
Fire brigade
## Footnote
Augustus also instituted regulations to prevent fires.
97
How did Augustus approach the revision of laws?
He diligently revised and expanded laws for the general advantage
## Footnote
This is noted by Suetonius (Augustus 34) and Velleius Paterculus (History of Rome, 2.89.4).
98
What significant change did Augustus implement regarding the Senate's membership?
Revised the senatorial roll three times
## Footnote
This was likely in 29, 18, and 11 BC.
99
What was the peak number of senators under Julius Caesar?
1,000 members
## Footnote
Augustus claimed that 700 senators served him at Actium.
100
What property qualification did Augustus impose on senators?
Increased minimum property requirement from 400,000 sesterces to 1 million
## Footnote
He also made senatorial status hereditary.
101
How many senators were removed in the first revision by Augustus?
190 senators
## Footnote
By 18 BC, the total had dropped to 600.
102
What publication did Augustus ban to appease the Senate?
'Proceedings of the Senate'
## Footnote
This was noted by Suetonius (Augustus 36).
103
What new offices did Augustus create for public service?
Offices for upkeep of public buildings, roads, aqueducts, and grain distribution
## Footnote
Two new offices of praetor were also created beyond the existing eight.
104
What was the role of the prefectus urbi created by Augustus?
Prefect of the City
## Footnote
Leading senators could serve in this newly created office.
105
What personal involvement of Augustus is highlighted by the Edicts of Cyrene?
Control over jury composition and citizenship in the province of Cyrene
## Footnote
This shows Augustus' direct involvement in provincial administration.
106
What was a key characteristic of Augustus' relationship with the Empire's inhabitants?
Enabled everyone in the Empire to appeal directly to the head of state
## Footnote
This contrasted with a faceless bureaucracy or changing Republican leadership.
107
True or False: Augustus exercised personal authority throughout his reign.
True
## Footnote
This is evidenced by various administrative changes and direct appeals from locals.
108
What major change did Augustus implement in the physical environment of Rome?
A colossal building programme was undertaken.
109
According to Suetonius, what was Augustus's goal for the architecture of Rome?
To create a Rome that was architecturally worthy of being the capital of the Empire.
110
What famous statement did Augustus make about the transformation of Rome?
'Found a Rome built of bricks' but left one 'clothed in marble'.
111
What does the term 'Res Gestae' refer to in the context of Augustus's building projects?
Details the massive scope of these building projects.
112
What was the central focus of Augustus's building projects?
The Augustan Forum with its Temple of Mars Ultor.
113
What significant aspect did Augustus emphasize regarding the buildings he restored?
He did not put his own name on those buildings, preserving those of the original builders.
114
What was the relationship between renewal and respect for the past in Augustus's projects?
Renewal and respect for the past marched hand-in-hand.
115
What important infrastructure projects were improved under Augustus?
Construction of and improvements to public aqueducts.
116
Who oversaw the improvements to public aqueducts starting in 33 BC?
Marcus Agrippa.
117
True or False: Augustus's building projects only involved new constructions.
False
118
Fill in the blank: Augustus's transformation of Rome communicated _______.
civic well-being and power.
119
Who wrote sources about the plebs of Rome, and what was their social status?
Upper-class men
## Footnote
This highlights the lack of representation for the lower classes in historical narratives.
120
What did Augustus recognize about the plebs of Rome?
Rome was the 'mob'
## Footnote
Augustus understood the importance of gaining favor with the common people as democracy transitioned to autocracy.
121
What two key methods did Augustus use to ensure the loyalty of the plebs?
* Entertainment
* Largesse
## Footnote
These methods set a model for future emperors and were later critiqued by writers like Juvenal.
122
What phrase did Juvenal use to describe what the Roman people needed?
'Bread and circuses'
## Footnote
This phrase criticizes the superficial means by which political leaders maintained public support.
123
What did Tacitus state about Augustus's methods of gaining support?
'Seduced the soldiery with gifts, the people with corn, and everyone with the delights of peace'
## Footnote
This reflects Augustus's strategies for maintaining loyalty among different social groups.
124
What significant event occurred in 22 BC related to Augustus and the plebs?
The people rioted over a corn shortage
## Footnote
This event led to demands for Augustus to be appointed dictator to resolve the crisis.
125
What was the 'corn dole'?
A set amount of corn given to the poorest Romans
## Footnote
Augustus formalized the management of this supply to maintain support among the lower classes.
126
What were congiaria?
Frequent handouts to the people
## Footnote
These handouts were part of Augustus's strategy to bolster his popularity.
127
How did Augustus use public entertainment to gain plebeian support?
Mass public entertainment events
## Footnote
These events were significant in creating a positive image of Augustus among the Roman plebs.
128
What role did the equestrians play during Augustus's principate?
They were promoted to political significance. Augustus created exclusive political roles for equestrians, such as governor of Egypt.
129
What relationship did Augustus have with the Senate?
Interesting and changeable
## Footnote
Augustus's rise to power diminished the Senate's role in political policy-making.
130
What measures did Augustus take to placate the Senate?
* Gave money to individual senators
* Expanded lower ranks of cursus honorum
* Purges made the Senate more exclusive
## Footnote
These actions were part of maintaining a republican image while consolidating power.
131
What did Augustus's banning of senators from Egypt signify?
Reinforced his supremacy
## Footnote
This action highlighted the diminished power of the Senate in the new political order.
132
What was the inheritance tax imposed on senators in AD 6?
5 percent inheritance tax to fund the military treasury
## Footnote
This tax further solidified Augustus's control over the Senate and the military.
133
True or False: Augustus encouraged opposition from the Senate.
False
## Footnote
Senators had to advocate for the principate to prosper, leaving little room for dissent.
134
What challenges did Augustus face according to Pliny?
Numerous challenges
## Footnote
Pliny lists these in Natural History 7.147-50.
135
What does Velleius Paterculus mention regarding opposition to Augustus?
A conspiracy at the start of his reign
## Footnote
This is referenced in History of Rome 2.88.1-3.
136
Who mentions several conspiracies against Augustus?
Suetonius
## Footnote
Suetonius refers to these in Augustus 19, 66.
137
What was the supposed plot involving Fannius Caepio and Varro Murena?
A conspiracy around c. 23 BC: Fannius Caepio and Varro Murena allegedly conspired to assassinate Octavian during the power struggles of the Second Triumvirate. The plot was uncovered, leading to the execution of both conspirators, underscores Octavian's ability to survive deadly political rivalries, shaping his eventual consolidation of power and establishment of the Roman Empire
138
What uncertainty exists regarding the plot by Fannius Caepio and Varro Murena?
Whether it actually happened or was invented by Augustus
## Footnote
Ancient and modern writers have debated this.
139
What advice did Livia give to Augustus regarding conspiracies?
To react mercifully to a plot by Cinna in 16 BC
## Footnote
This is mentioned by Seneca in On Clemency 1.9.2-12.
140
What was the outcome of Augustus's mercy towards Cinna?
It bound Cinna to Augustus for life and ended conspiracies
## Footnote
This is suggested by Seneca.
141
What does Tacitus warn about contemporary accounts of Augustus's reign?
The culture was increasingly one of flattery towards the emperor
## Footnote
This warning is found in Annals, 1.2.1-2.
142
How does Tacitus view Augustan society?
As duplicitous
## Footnote
His main criticism is aimed at the aristocracy, not Augustus.
143
True or False: Augustus faced significant formal opposition throughout his reign.
False
## Footnote
Other sources report little formal opposition.
144
Fill in the blank: According to Seneca, Augustus's merciful reaction to Cinna's plot ended _______.
conspiracies against him
145
What was Augustus' greatest challenge?
The creation of a hereditary dynasty within a society that hated sole power.
146
Who was Augustus' ideal successor according to historical accounts?
Marcellus, his nephew by marriage
147
What significant event did Augustus experience shortly before his death?
He called Tiberius to him and died in his arms.
148
Who was Marcellus in relation to Augustus' succession plans?
Marcellus was Augustus' nephew and the first candidate for succession.
149
What happened to Marcellus in 23 BC?
Marcellus died suddenly, marking the first setback in Augustus' succession plans.
150
Fill in the blank: Augustus married his daughter Julia to _______ after Marcellus' death.
Marcus Agrippa
151
How many times was Julia married to potential successors?
Three times: to Marcellus, Agrippa, and Tiberius.
152
What role did Agrippa play in Augustus' early principate?
Agrippa was granted tribunician power and featured prominently with Augustus on coinage.
153
What happened to Agrippa in 12 BC?
Agrippa died.
154
What titles were given to Augustus' grandsons Gaius and Lucius?
Princeps iuventutis ('leader of the youth').
155
True or False: Augustus adopted Tiberius after the deaths of Gaius and Lucius.
True
156
Who was Livia in relation to Tiberius and Augustus?
Livia was Tiberius' mother and Augustus' wife.
157
What was Tacitus' view of Livia?
He described her as a burden on the state and Augustus' family.
158
What significant action did Tiberius take in AD 4?
He adopted his nephew Germanicus, creating an ongoing line of succession.
159
What does Augustus' coinage depict him as?
Youthful and vigorous.
160
What did Tacitus say about Augustus' feelings towards Tiberius as a successor?
Augustus did not appoint Tiberius out of affection or concern for the republic.
161
Fill in the blank: Augustus hoped that Tiberius' _______ would enhance his own greater glory.
arrogance and cruelty
162
What was the significance of Augustus' health to the Roman world?
Augustus' health was synonymous with the security of the Roman state.
