Augustus
Augustus' use of literature, propaganda, coins and buildings to maintain his image as Princeps was highly successful. One of the most influential rulers in ancient history. Gaius Octavius was a talented 18 year old when he was adopted by his great-uncle ,Julius Caesar and officially renamed Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. When Caesar was assassinated less than a year later, Octavian won enough popular, military & senatorial support to be appointed consul of Rome at the age of 19. Through the use of literature, propaganda, coins and buildings, Augustus carefully weaved his image as Princeps, of power and divinity, maintaining it throughout his reign to a point where he was treated as a god by provincials in the east and eventually deified in Rome after his death. Princeps, short for "princeps civitis" had been used to describe leading men of the republic, and implied authority but not power and mean "first citizen". "While I was the leading citizen, the senate resolved that it should be shut on three occasions" - Suetonius. Augustus' image was important, that is, if he had not taken much care into his image as Princeps, he would not have become as successful as he was. The "Res Gestae" was a form of literature but most signifi
He built areas for the poor (plebs), the freeman and also for the rich. This was a form of propaganda, promoting himself and created an image of generosity. It is notable to say that he was extremely successful and by having the dependence of the plebs on him supports this. The coins of Rome, during the reign of Augustus, and subsequent to his reign were also important in their use to assist in maintaining his image as Princeps. The Theatre of Marcellus built in memory of Augustus' son in law, who died in 23 BC is an example of one of Augustus' building programs. Yet, Augustus' denotations corresponded to politically important events, for example, his donations of 23 coincided with his changed constitutional position in that year. In assessing Augustus' use of literature, propaganda, coins and buildings to maintain his image as Princeps, it is concluded that he was very clever in the ways in which he maintained it. The reason for his building programs was for him to be remembered for his divine power and reign over Rome. Augustus' donations seemed to correspond to politically important events in his reign. He wanted to be remembered as the most powerful and influential Roman leader of all time and wanted his system of government to be used by his successors. This changed Augustus' attitude to those seeking the handouts and in response to the citizen's demand he called them a pack of shameless rascals. The helped promote the empire which he ruled and helped glorify himself and family. The grain dole was created by Augustus to feed the Plebians with grain in order for them to believe that he was a leader who took care of everyone in society, not just the rich. Another form of propaganda are the statues of Augustus.
Common topics in this essay:
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Princeps Augustus,
Theatre Marcellus,
Octavianus Caesar,
Cassius Augustus,
Golden Age,
Arruntius AD,
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Acceptance Essays
