Res Gestae 31-35 Cooley

Why does Augustus refer so extensively to dealings with people abroad in the last chunk of the RGDA?

To consolidate the impression created so far of worldwide influence now exerted by Rome under his leadership.

Indians and Scythians were the archetype of what to the Romans?

Exotic peoples from the furthest east and north

Who were the Bastarnae, Scythians, Albanians also conquered by?

Pompey - Aug is trying to emulate him again!

(31) Why does Augustus mention India first?

Aug wants to evoke the achievements of Alexander the Great, whose most celebrated conquest was India.

Why is it perhaps an exaggeration to say embassies were often sent? Why was it such an achievement?

2 are known about, one to Tarraco in 25 BC, the other to Samos in 20 BC. It was so impressive bc embassies came from the east when Augustus was at the western edge of the known world (Tarraco).

Why is Augustus keen to stress the idea of OUR friendship?

He wants to emphasis the centrality of himself and the Roman people to acts of diplomacy between Rome and distant kings.

Which people does Augustus omit in his list of people who sued for his friendship, somewhat surprisingly?

The Chinese.

(32) Who was Tiridates? Why did he take refuge with Augustus in 29/30 BC? Why didn't Augustus just hand him over to Phraates IV?

The usurper to the Parthian throne. Phraates returned to the throne after initially being driven out by his subjects. He used him to make an unstated threat from Rome that it might support Tiridates if the Parthians didn't hand over the standards.

Do we know who Phrates was?

Unclear.

Who had Artvasdes king of the Medes originally supported? Who was he driven out of Armenia by? Which region did Octavian eventually make him king of?

Antony. Artaxes II. Armenia Minor

Why had British chieftains sent embassies to Rome?

To establish trading links and bolster their own authority by associating themselves with the power of Rome.

What does Augustus fail to mention about Maelo, even tho he did eventually send envoys to Augustus? Why did they send envoys?

Maelo, leader of the Sugambri (German tribe), had defeated the Romans in 16 BC, with the loss of an eagle standard. They were being attacked by Tiberius.

Why did Phraates actually give Augustus his 4 legitimate sons?

It was practise for Parthian sons to kill their fathers to get the throne, and so he wanted to prevent that. He was also influenced by his wife and former concubine to promote their son to the throne.

When did having those sons prove useful?

Augustus used them essentially as hostages to stop Phraates V (their half brother) from interfering in Armenia in AD 1, when Gaius was attempting to impose a solution on that kingdom.

Why does Augustus refer to the sons as pledges? How were they brought up?

Less harsh than hostages. They were brought up in the imperial court and educated alongside Augustus' family and other princes.

(33) Who was Vonones? Who was he sent to be king over and why? When he was deposed (prob cos he was too Roman!), what was he made king of?

son of Phraates IV who had been sent to Rome. He was requested by the Parthians to be sent back as their king, and Augustus agreed bc he had been educated according to a Roman lifestyle. Greater Armenia in AD 12.

When was Ariobarzanes installed as king of Media by Augustus? When was he later installed as king of Greater Armenia?

20 BC. AD 1.

(34) When were Augustus' 6th and 7th consulships?

28-27 BC.

What is interesting about Augustus saying he put an end to civil wars? Was the extinguishing of civil wars by Augustus later celebrated in Tiberius' rule?

He is admitting that his war against Antony was a civil war, despite its representation at the time as being a conflict against the foreign power of Cleopatra. Yes

What does potestas mean in the context of chapter 24?

The power wielded by Augustus before 27 BC.

How did Augustus try to distance himself from his triumviral past?

He annulled unjust measures introduced by the triumvirs in 28 BC. He restored laws and rights to the people. In 28 BC, the tradition of handing over the fasces to his other consul was restored.

Why did he instal a praetor urbanus in 28 BC?

To betray a desire to ensure the efficacy of the justice system

Why did he revise membership of the senate in 29 BC? Why did he restore the temples in 28 BC?

To restore the government to working order. To show restoration of religion

When did he "hand over" power in the senate? What exactly did he hand over, and what crucial bit of info does he miss out?

13 Jan 27 BC after polishing up his image and reintroducing traditions. He handed back control over the provinces to the Roman people. He doesn't mention that he eventually took control over them again!

Why was the name of Augustus so "appropriate" for Octavian?

It was connected with prophecy, as well as ideas of authority and increase. It implied mediation between the gods too.

What was the symbolism of the laurel trees?

They were symbols of everlasting victory and peace. The shrub was also associated with Apollo. Traditionally, laurels grew on either side of sacred buildings, allowing Augustus' house to be imbued with a religious aura.

What was the civic crown used to commemorate?

Used to award an individual for saving the life of a fellow citizen. Augustus had saved ALL his citizens.

The shield may have been given to Augustus when (tho laurels and civi crowns were seen to be part of the same package)? What was the shield a potent symbol of, appearing on coins issued by Tiberius to commemorate Augustus?

26 BC. Imperial power.

What was the shield placed alongside in the senate house to celebrate Aug's victory in Egypt?

The statue of victory.

Why does Augustus use the passive verb "testatum est"? In which poem do the virtues have prominence?

It lends an impression of objectivity to Augustus' recitals of his own virtues. Horace's Carmen.

What was the difference between potestas and auctoritas?

Potestas was legitimate power derived from holding political office. Auctoritas referred to personal prestige, arising from preeminent status and soundness of judgement. Its scope was unlimited, allowing Augustus to say he had more of it than everyone else!

(35) How is the prominence of the equestrian order in Augustan society reflected in this chapter?

The usual formula of senatus populusque Romanus is modified.

Do all sources agree that the title of pater patriae was the result of consensus between plebs and senate? What was the difference between this honour and the other honours voted in 27 BC?

Yes. This was made by all, the former coming only from the senate.

Who before Augustus had been called "father" of Rome after saving it from a crisis? Who were all these individuals regarded as successors to?

Camillus when he rescued Rome from the Gauls, Marius from the Cimbri, and Cicero from Catiline.

Did Tiberius ever take on the title of pater patriae? Did other emperors?

No. Yes, but only after a few years of being emperor. There was a sense that you had to earn it

How did the title of pater suggest ideal relations between the ruler and the Romans, and the ruler and the provincials?

It suggested that romans should be obedient, just as roman children were to their father who looked after and had responsibility for them. It suggested that rulers of the provincials should do the same.

The title alloed Augustus to encourage the development of a parallel between himself and whom?

Jupiter - Aug was to be seen as the human equivalent.

"In the Augustan forum under the chariot." What does this suggest?

It suggests that a triumphal four horse chariot stood in the forum, probably in the centre.