Res gestae divi augusti

Definition

The 'res gestae divi augusti' translates to 'the deeds of the divine Augustus' and refers to a first-person account of the accomplishments of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. This inscription served as a key piece of imperial propaganda, emphasizing Augustus's achievements and portraying his reign as a golden age for Rome, thus solidifying his legacy and divine status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'res gestae divi augusti' was inscribed on bronze tablets and displayed in various locations across the Roman Empire to reach a wide audience.
2. It includes a list of military victories, political reforms, public works, and contributions to the Roman state, which were designed to showcase Augustus's leadership.
3. The text emphasizes Augustus's restoration of peace after years of civil war, presenting him as a bringer of stability and prosperity.
4. Augustus used the 'res gestae' to create a narrative that elevated his status to almost divine, suggesting that his achievements were not only for Rome but also part of a larger cosmic order.
5. The inscriptions provided a framework for future emperors on how to present their own achievements and maintain the emperor's image as benevolent and powerful.

Review Questions

• How does the 'res gestae divi augusti' reflect the use of imperial propaganda during Augustus's reign?
  • The 'res gestae divi augusti' is a prime example of imperial propaganda because it meticulously outlines Augustus's achievements in a way that glorifies his rule and establishes his authority. By detailing military successes, infrastructural improvements, and social reforms, it paints Augustus as not only a capable leader but also as a divine figure deserving of reverence. This strategic presentation helped consolidate his power and influence over Rome and its provinces.
• In what ways did the 'res gestae divi augusti' contribute to shaping the legacy of Augustus and influencing future Roman emperors?
  • The 'res gestae divi augusti' significantly shaped Augustus's legacy by providing a clear narrative of his accomplishments that reinforced his status as the father of Rome. By publicly celebrating his deeds, Augustus created a model for future emperors on how to communicate their successes. This established a tradition of imperial self-promotion that would continue throughout Roman history, emphasizing achievements that aligned with the ideals of peace, prosperity, and divine favor.
• Evaluate the impact of the 'res gestae divi augusti' on Roman society’s perception of leadership and governance in the Augustan Age.
  • The 'res gestae divi augusti' had a profound impact on Roman society's perception of leadership by promoting an idealized image of governance characterized by stability and benevolence. By framing Augustus as the savior who restored order after chaos, it set high expectations for future rulers to emulate. This not only influenced public sentiment but also created pressure on subsequent emperors to deliver similar narratives of success and divine endorsement, ultimately shaping political culture in Rome for generations.

Related terms

Imperial Propaganda: The use of communication and art to promote the image and policies of an emperor or ruling authority, often to influence public perception and establish legitimacy.

Augustan Age: The period of Roman history during the rule of Augustus, marked by significant cultural, political, and architectural developments that transformed Rome.

Aeneid: An epic poem written by Virgil that tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and serves to link Augustus's reign to Rome's mythic past and divine destiny.