01/11/2024 : Monuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus

Introduction to the Lecture

• The lecture focuses on ancient historical sources, with a special emphasis on the age of Augustus and the various forms of sources available.

• The speaker welcomes attendees, reflecting positively on their recent seminar experience and introducing the structure of upcoming guest lectures which will feature colleagues during the month.

Overview of Upcoming Lectures

• For the next month, the lectures will include discussions on Augustan poets and other major historical figures such as Suetonius.

• Suetonius will have his own lecture as a significant biographical source, distinct from other historians.

• The speaker will return for discussions focused on material sources later in the series.

Emphasis on Source Material

• Understanding the age of Augustus requires a comprehensive approach to both written and visual sources.

• Sources provide not only factual information but also reflect the agendas and contexts of their authors, emphasizing the variety of material available for study.

• A distinction is made between sources contemporary to Augustus and those that followed, as well as between primary and secondary sources.

• While the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' are common, the speaker recommends the distinction of ancient versus modern, as it offers a clearer understanding of context.

Key Historical Sources Discussed

Livy (Titus Livius)

• A contemporary of Augustus, Livy wrote a history covering Rome from its foundation (753 BC) up to 9 BC, though much is lost.

• Livy emphasizes traditional Roman values and provides critical reflections on contemporary issues, often contrasting them with the past.

• An example passage highlights Livy’s criticism of his generation while attributing moral strength to Rome's past, reflecting a nuanced view amid praise for Augustan reforms.

Cornelius Nepos

• Nepos is recognized as the earliest biographer in Latin, noted for his biography of Atticus—a significant player during the rise of Augustus.

• His work offers unique insights into the political maneuverings of the time, highlighting the friendships between influential figures.

Nicholas of Damascus

• A Greek author and court historian for Herod the Great, he wrote about Augustus, with most of his work preserved in fragments.

• His accounts are crucial for understanding political dynamics in Judea and the relationships between significant historical figures like Augustus and Herod.

Vitruvius

• An architect who authored ten books on architecture dedicated to Augustus, his work indirectly reflects the political climate of the time despite its technical nature.

• Vitruvius emphasizes the importance of public buildings for the prestige of the Roman Empire, linking architecture to Augustus's memory.

Strabo

• Known for his geographical works and historical perspectives, Strabo discusses the significance of geography for an empire that thrives on conquest, merging historical insight with geographic knowledge.

• His writings provide essential context for understanding Roman attitudes toward territory and administration.

Appian

• A Greek historian who details the Civil Wars, presenting a social perspective on how peace treaties affected the populace.

• Appian’s analysis gives a voice to the experiences of ordinary people during tumultuous times.

Tacitus

• Tacitus's historical writings, particularly on the annals, comment on the aftermath of Augustus's regime from Tiberius's perspective, showcasing a critical attitude toward the established order.

• Though written later, Tacitus’s narratives provide essential insights into the early imperial period's legacy, including the perceptions of Augustus.

Conclusion

• The speaker notes the tragic loss of many original texts while emphasizing the remaining sources that offer profound insights into the historical landscape of the era.

• Acknowledging the complexity of biases in various histories, the type of sources available, and their intentions illuminates the broader context of studying the ancient world.

• The lecture wraps with encouragement to engage with the readings and prepare for future discussions on the material.

Introduction to the Lecture

The lecture focuses on ancient historical sources, providing an in-depth examination of the age of Augustus and exploring the various forms of sources available for historical analysis. The speaker warmly welcomes attendees and reflects positively on their recent seminar experience, setting a collaborative tone for further learning. The structure of the upcoming guest lectures is introduced, which will feature distinguished colleagues sharing insights into specialized topics throughout the month.

Overview of Upcoming Lectures

Over the next month, the lecture series will delve into discussions concerning Augustan poets, significant literary figures, and major historians, including Suetonius, whose works serve as critical biographical sources. Suetonius will be given a dedicated lecture due to his vital contributions to understanding the personality and impact of Augustus, distinct from the narratives of other historians. The speaker expresses excitement about returning later for discussions focused on material sources, highlighting the multifaceted nature of historical inquiry.

Emphasis on Source Material

To fully grasp the complexities of the age of Augustus, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive approach to both written and visual sources. These sources are crucial as they provide not just factual data but also reveal the underlying agendas and contexts of their authors. This cooperative interplay of information emphasizes the vast diversity of material available for scholarly study. A clear distinction is made between the sources contemporary to Augustus and those produced in subsequent generations, as well as a differentiation between primary and secondary sources. Although the categories of 'primary' and 'secondary' sources are common in historical discourse, the speaker advocates for a more nuanced distinction between ancient versus modern sources, which offers clearer contextual understanding for students and researchers alike.

Key Historical Sources Discussed

Livy (Titus Livius)

As a prominent contemporary of Augustus, Livy authored a comprehensive history titled "Ab Urbe Condita," which chronicles the history of Rome from its legendary foundation in 753 BC up until 9 BC, although a significant portion of his work has been lost to time. Livy's narratives emphasize traditional Roman values such as duty, honor, and patriotism, often providing critical reflections on contemporary issues by contrasting them with the perceived moral integrity of Rome's past. An example of his critical perspective can be gleaned from passages highlighting his concerns about the ethical decline of his generation, attributing moral strength and virtues to Rome's earlier days while also recognizing the innovations brought about during Augustan reforms.

Cornelius Nepos

Recognized as the earliest known biographer in Latin literature, Nepos is noted for his biography of Atticus, a pivotal figure during the ascendance of Augustus. His works offer unique insights into the intricate political landscape of the early Roman Empire and the alliances formed among powerful individuals. Through detailed portraits of significant characters, Nepos presents a nuanced view of political relationships and the nuanced shifting of loyalties during this transitional period.

Nicholas of Damascus

A Greek author and esteemed court historian for Herod the Great, Nicholas penned an extensive biography of Augustus, although most of his work survives only in fragments. His accounts are invaluable for understanding the complex political dynamics in Judea as well as the intricate relationships between pivotal historical figures, such as Augustus and Herod, leveraging a rich contextual background to analyze the network of power, influence, and governance in the ancient world.

Vitruvius

Vitruvius, an architect of remarkable skill, authored ten books on architecture known as "De Architectura," dedicated to Augustus. While primarily technical in nature, his work subtly reflects the political and cultural climate of the time, emphasizing the crucial link between architecture and the prestige of the Roman Empire. Vitruvius articulates the importance of public buildings not merely as physical structures, but as symbols of imperial power and Augustus's enduring legacy.

Strabo

Strabo is renowned for his geographical works that merge historical analysis with geographic insight. His writings underscore the strategic significance of geography for an empire that thrives on conquest, illustrating how geographical knowledge shaped Roman attitudes towards their territory and administration. Strabo's synthesis of geographic and historical perspectives enriches the understanding of the methods through which the Roman Empire exerted its influence.

Appian

A Greek historian celebrated for his detailed account of the Roman Civil Wars, Appian conveys a social perspective on the impact of peace treaties on the populace. His analyses articulate the often-overlooked voices of ordinary individuals during periods of upheaval, adding depth to the understanding of historical consequences from a societal standpoint. Appian’s work signifies the interplay between powerful figures and the lived experiences of the broader population during tumultuous times.

Tacitus

Tacitus, a significant historian of the early Roman Empire, focuses on the aftermath of Augustus's regime, particularly through his series of writings known as "Annales." His critical examination of the established order, particularly during Tiberius's rule, presents nuanced perspectives on governance and power dynamics. Although written years later, Tacitus’s accounts offer crucial insights into the legacy of Augustus, delving into public perception and the implications of his rule on subsequent Roman history.

Conclusion

The lecture concludes with an acknowledgment of the tragic loss of many original texts, underlining the significance of the remaining historical sources that continue to provide profound insights into the complexities and intricacies of the ancient world. The importance of recognizing the biases inherent in various historical accounts, the types of sources available, and their intended purposes is emphasized as a critical endeavor for students and scholars alike. The speaker encourages active engagement with the course readings and preparations for future discussions related to material sources, setting the stage for a rich intellectual exploration of ancient history.