The ‘Monumentum Ancyranum: The Deeds of Augustus’ presents an intricately detailed account of the achievements and policies of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, inscribed on a temple wall in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey). This monumental text combines autobiography and propaganda, skillfully employing laudatory rhetoric in its portrayal of Augustus’s military victories, administrative reforms, and religious honors. Written in the classic style of Roman history, it serves not only as a personal narrative but also as a declaration of the era’s political ethos, established in the wake of the turbulent Roman Republic’s decline. Augustus, originally known as Gaius Octavius, rose to power following Julius Caesar’s assassination, fundamentally transforming Rome from a republic to an imperial power. His reign marked a Pax Romana—an unprecedented peace across the empire. The creation of this text can be seen as part of his larger strategy to solidify his legacy while shaping public perception, a task that required deft political acumen and a deep understanding of Roman cultural values. For readers interested in the foundations of Western political thought and historical narrative, the ‘Monumentum Ancyranum’ is essential. It not only illuminates the complexities of Augustus’s rule but also offers insight into the ways leaders construct their identities. As such, it is an invaluable resource for historians, classicists, and anyone keen on understanding the origins of political power in ancient Rome.
A propos de l’auteur
Emperor Augustus, born Gaius Octavius Thurinus in 63 BCE and passing in 14 CE, was the founder of the Roman Principate and considered the first Roman Emperor. He wielded unparalleled influence over Rome following the demise of his great-uncle Julius Caesar and after his decisive victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Augustus’s reign ushered in an era of relative peace known as the ‘Pax Romana’ which lasted for more than two centuries. A notable testament to his leadership and ventures is encapsulated in his autobiographical inscriptions, ‘Monumentum Ancyranum, ‘ also referred to as ‘The Deeds of Augustus’ (Res Gestae Divi Augusti). This epigraphy, carved upon two bronze pillars and situated in Rome, offers a first-person narrative of his life’s work and political accomplishments. His literary style is characterized by its directness and the use of propaganda to portray his rule in a morally positive light, casting himself as Rome’s benign protector and restorer. While the ‘Monumentum Ancyranum’ remains a crucial primary source for understanding Augustus’s policies and the ideology underpinning his rule, it also serves as a reflection of the Augustan age, a period marked by patronage of the arts, literature, and monumental architecture. Augustus’s writings not only detailed his political and military achievements but also contributed significantly to the crafting of his legacy, which reverberates through history as the archetype of Roman imperial authority.
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