Imperial Image Set Sources

Res Gestae

Who?

When?

What?

Why?

Category?

‘Things Achieved’

• Augustus

• before/near his death in 14AD

• monumental inscription

• commemorate his achievements

• all

Metamorphoses

Who?

When?

What?

Why?

Category?

• Ovid

• 8AD

• epic poem

• try to get back from exile

• divi filius

Metamorphoses Summary

• What is Caesar’s greatest achievement?

• What does the writer emphasise about the Iulus family?

• What real events does the writer mention? What are they in reference to?

• What does the writer predict will happen to Augustus?

1. being Augustus’ father

2. their divine ancestry

3. bad omens before Caesar’s assassination, e.g. dark skies (Mt. Etna eruption) and weeping statues (condensation)

4. Will live a long time and will eventually be deified – flattery which came true

Coinage

Who?

When?

What?

Why?

Category?

• minted under Augustus

• 43 — notably nearer to Caesar’s death and funeral

• aureus (gold coin)

• minting; demonstrate Augustus’ relation to Caesar because he was still well-liked by the people (evidenced by reaction at funeral)

Coinage Summary

• What is visually similar?

• What is textually similar?

• What do you notice about Caesar?

1. both Augustus and Caesar facing the same direction

2. matching titles and names

   • dict. pep. vs cons.

   • pont. max. vs pont. aug.

   • both exactly C. CAESAR

3. portraiture more similar in likeness — closer to death → people more likely to remember what he looks like