A toast to Actium - Horace (epodes 9)

Question 1

what does ‘A toast to Actium’ contain

Answer 1

it is a poem to celebrate the victory at Actium

Question 2

when was ‘A toast to Actium’ published/ written

Answer 2

30 BCE

Question 3

who wrote ‘A toast to Actium’

Answer 3

Horace

Question 4

who was Horace

this isnt vital more additional context

Answer 4

Was educated in Rome, supported Octavian. Horace mainly wrote lyric poetry, and Maecenas became his patron.

Question 5

what was the battle of Actium

Answer 5

It was a naval battle that took place in 31BCE.
It was Octavian (with Agrippa) against Antony and Cleopatra.
It resulted in Antony and Cleopatra fleeing to Egypt.

Question 6

Quote to describe Augustus’ victory

Answer 6

refering to Antony and Cleopatra “….beaten on land and on sea” - shows how powerful Augustus is, that ‘the enemy’ is completely defeated.

Question 7

who is not mentioned in ‘A toast to Actium’

Answer 7

Agrippa isnt mentioned even in reference despite being the general responsible for the victory (in the literal sense as it was ‘under Augustus’ auspices’).
Cleopatra and Antony are refered to, but never by name.
eg. ‘A Roman’ / ‘a woman’s’

Question 8

what is the format of ‘A toast to Actium’

Answer 8

It is written in iambic pentameter, it consists of 37 lines and is written as a letter addressed to Maecenas

Question 9

give a summary for ‘A toast to Actium’

Answer 9

• There’s a festive atmosphere at Maecenas’ house in anticipation of a triumph for Augustus.
• Antony is shown as un-Roman turned by a foreign woman, and deserted by his supporters. He is described as even being let down by un-disciplined troops.
• Antony has been defeated by a general greater than Marius and the Scipios - (Augustus).
• So why delay the Triumph while Antony flees? Drink wine to allay any remaining fears.

Question 10

What are the themes in ‘A toast to Actium’

Answer 10

strong military leader
- key victory
- Augustus is fated to win - celebrating early because its guaranteed - it is fated.
- compared to famous past great generals eg. Africanus

Question 11

Glossary

define Triumph

Answer 11

a victory parade
In horace (epodes 9) it is personified hence “hail Triumph”

Question 12

glossary

unblemished steers

Answer 12

spotless oxen, presumably ready dor sacrifice

Question 13

glossary

Africanus

Answer 13

Africanus is the name of two members of the Scipio family; one defeated Hannibal and the other destroyed Carthage.