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IMPERATOR

All information relating to Augustus' military talent and experience.

How does the origin story link to imperator?

Romulus & Remus - Results in civil war between the two brothers which is won by Romulus.

Aeneas - Results in (civil) war with Turnus.

Illustrates that Rome stems from civil war so it is apt for Augustus to be involved and capable in war.

The three Punic wars

1st: 264 - 241BC, Rome takes Sicily which becomes an important source of grain for Rome (Panem et Circuses)

2nd: 218 - 202BC, Rome takes Spain and Africa. Hannibal marches over the Alps with Elephants and defeats three large Roman armies. Romans develop irrational fear of 'Hannibal at the gates'.

3rd: 149 - 146BC, Cato believed Carthage must be destroyed. There are no states to rival Rome in the west - a pre-emptive war approach. Acquired the wealth of Greece.

Caesars war capabilities.

The first triumvirate and Caesar is victorious over Pompey. Consular power (4 times). Alongside vast popularity. Engaged in Civil war. Received major honours which mirror the amount that Augustus also receives.

The Battle of Mutina

In 43BC. Between forces of Octavian (Republic) and forces of Antony (Caesarian) who were going to attack Decimus Brutus, both Hirtius and Pansa killed during. Octavian did have some battle time here and there was an attack on A's camps which lead to a retreat,

Sources on BoM - Res Gestae

Res Gestae - Self celebratory and complimentary. He is the go getter and no one else deserves credit. He received 75% of JC's fortune and his army so he was aided during war. Says he 'liberated the republic' and received honours and consulship from the senate. Big/ overstating claims

Sources on BoM - Suetonius

Octavian is portrayed as being much more cowardly and not as popular as Caesar. A flexible political stance, he will do anything to gain power.

Both Mark Antony and Octavian received 2 legions each from Julius Caesar - Octavian was lucky to gain 10,000 experienced men.

Augustus bore the standard for a period of time - reflects well on imperator.

Sources on BoM - Aureus of O & JC

Minted in 43BC in order to buy the loyalty of JC's army.

Post battle of Mutina.

Illustrating his link to the beloved JC as they are 'two sides of the same coin'.

Almost two years pay for soldiers - 20au.

The second triumvirate

Oct - Based in Africa and controls grain but not route to Rome. Receives JC's name and wealth. He remains inexperienced and a newcomer at the age of 20/21.

MA - Experienced in the military but not in command and known to make harsh/undisciplined decisions. Consul in 44BC. Charismatic and in charge of Gaul.

Lep - Not motivated by power - side switcher based on winner. Competent military commander.

Conspirators/liberators

Brutus and Cassius. Have the support of the senate and wealth and manpower of east. Cassius has previously held command while Brutus is a military novice.

Battle of Philippi

42BC - Antony and Octavian against Brutus and Cassius.

Brutus faced Octavian and Cassius faced Antony.

At first Brutus pushed Oct back to his tent but with Cassius receiving false news about Brutus being defeated after being defeated himself he commits suicide. Brutus takes both his and Cassius' army and retreats but there is a second encounter in which Brutus is beaten.

Antony leaves war with strong military command ad hailed as imperator.

Sources on BoP - Res Gestae

Philippi is unnamed due to being a civil war - keen to display it as correct and legal. Portrays the liberators as traitors of Rome.

Singlehandedly says 'I' but it was also Agrippa and MA.

Sources on BoP - Suetonius

He had a lesser triumph after Philippi (an ovation). Clearly doesn't want to draw attention to it being a civil war.

Sicilian war

Sextus Pompey. Oct married a relative of his Scribonia in order to attempt some allegiance.

Sicily was a war mainly fought by Agrippa but Octavian received much of the glory for it - his imperator increases as long as he has people like Agrippa to support him.

Augustus actually ran away and hid inside a cave when it seemed the war would be lost when he didn't know about Agrippa's success.

Sources on Sicily - Res Gestae

Oct does not mention Agrippa whatsoever within this account. A very minimal mention 'I freed the sea from pirates.' possibly due to his lack of involvement and hiding in a cave.

Battle of Actium

2nd September 31BC - Oct occupied a hill on the north side. Ant orchestrated some minor attacks but it didn't work.

Agrippa developed a strategy for Actium - played waiting game. They completed supply destructions against Antony.

They met vast casualties and had to hide. Antony ends up feeling so Oct and Agrippa end up victorious.

Sources on BoA - Horace 'A toast to Actium'

Discusses the victory parade/ triumph of Octavian.

Increases the scale of all Octavian's victory e.g. likens Sicily to Actium - sounds like more a threat to Rome.

A&C go unnamed and A is emasculated which works in favour of Oct's reputation.

Likens Oct to Scipio Africanus beating Hannibal.

A celebration but an indication that the people are afraid of another civil war.