arts that should be possessed by one who
was destined to direct well and worthily so great a power. Thus he was
practiced in oratory, not only in the Latin language but in Greek as well,
was vigorously trained in military service, and thoroughly instructed in
politics and the art of government."
Dio claims that this "training" as well as "instruction in politics and the art of
government" by Caesar, took place when Augustus reached maturity. It is
speculated that Augustus reached maturity at age 15, in 48 BC. This account
conflicts with Suetonius' account: which states:
"At age sixteen, having now come of age, he was awarded military
decorations when Caesar celebrated his African triumph, though he had
been too young for overseas service. Caesar then went to fight Pompey's
sons in Spain; Augustus followed with a very small escort...this action
delighted Caesar, who, moreover, soon formed a high estimate of
Augustus' character quite apart from the energetic manner in which he had
made the journey." (Suetonius- Lives of the Twelve Casears)
Dio also presents these same facts in his account. However, Suetonius does not
say anything about Augustus being taken in at an early age for training by Caesar.
During this period, which was 49-45 BC, Caesar was very involved with fighting
the civil wars. It is doubtful that he had the time to train someone. Suetonius'
account states that Caesar had noticed and been impressed with the young
Augustus, but never does Suetonius say he was trained directly by Caesar. The
assertion that this training took place is not only unlikely because Caesar was
involved with wars at the time, but because this type of training wasn't popular
until the age of emperors during the Pax Romana. The Republic-style government
under Caesar had not yet seen such a tradition of training young...