Augustus, First Roman Emperor
Power, Propaganda and the Politics of Survival

Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, has probably had the most lasting effect on history of all rulers of the classical world.

This book focuses on his rise to power and on the ways in which he then maintained authority throughout his reign. It is often assumed that the close relationship between power and presentation, popularly known as ‘spin’, is a modern phenomenon. Augustus, however, emerges as consummate master of the political process, using propaganda to fashion his own historical legacy.

Clark examines the importance of his chief political advisor Maecenas, the patron of Horace and Virgil; and of his military commander Agrippa. He also considers the contrasting fates of the main poets of Augustus’ reign, Virgil and Ovid, and the public monuments that – as much as poetry – served to shape his reputation.

List of Illustrations; Author's Note on Roman Names; Map of the Roman Empire; Map of Italy; Introduction: 'Boy, You Owe Everything to Your Name'; PART I: The Failure of the Roman Republic 1 The Strains of Empire; 2 The Death of the Republic; PART II: Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus 3 Calculated Risks; 4 The Battle for the Empire. 42-30 BC; PART III: Caesar Augustus 5 The Res Publica of Augustus; 6 The Frontiers of Empire; 7 The Myth of Caesar Augustus; 8 Social Engineering: 'Back to Basics'; 9 The Imperial Family; The Verdict; Family Tree; Bibliography; Index

 

Matthew D.H. Clark teaches Classics and Ancient History at Shrewsbury School.