Focus: Examination of political and religious propaganda from the death of Caesar (44 BC) to the establishment of the Principate (27 BC).
Context: Importance of propaganda during the civil wars leading up to the Battle of Actium, a pivotal conflict in Roman history.
The end of a half-century of civil wars.
Ronald Syme's interpretation of this period as The Roman Revolution.
Timeframe: Detailed exploration of the fifteen years from the Battle of Philippi (42 BC) to the Battle of Actium (31 BC) and the subsequent period leading to 27 BC.
PRINCIPAL PROTAGONISTS
Key Leaders:
Mark Antony: Loyal companion of Caesar, consul in 44 BC.
Octavian (Augustus): Caesar's nephew and adopted son.
Sextus Pompey: Son of Pompey the Great, an important player during this time.
Survival of Documents: Despite the condemnation of Antony's memory and the loss of many writings, several documents survived.
Sources: Pliny, Plutarch, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio's works might have incorporated knowledge of these pamphlets.
RELIGIOUS PROPAGANDA
Patronage: During this era, key gods in Greco-Roman religion provided a backdrop for propaganda.
Apollo
Neptune
Dionysus
Caesar's Heritage: The divine patronage of Venus was sought by Caesar's heirs, though they often looked elsewhere for divine backing.
APOLLO
Favor Bestowed by Octavian: Octavian identified with Apollo prior to the Battle of Actium.
Historical context: An ancestor of the Iulii family funded the first temple dedicated to Apollo in Rome (451 BC).
Legends Influencing Propaganda: Octavian's maternal lineage linked his birth to Apollo through mystical dreams experienced by Atia, his mother.
Cited Works: Suetonius and Cassius Dio recount interpretations of Atia's dreams and her being visited by a serpent linked to Apollo.
Artifacts: Artistic representations of Octavian depicted him in divine light, legitimizing his status amidst criticisms.
NEPTUNE
Sextus Pompey's Self-Identification: Pompey aligned himself with Neptune, making himself appear as his son, and promoted his naval dominance through coinage.
Public Sentiment: The Roman populace invoked Neptune for influence over the actions of Antony and Octavian.
Octavian’s Image: Balancing act with regard to Neptune, avoiding conflicts with public sentiment while asserting naval leadership.
DIONYSUS
Antony's Association: Mark Antony adopted Dionysus as part of his self-identification and elevation.
Claims of lineage from Hercules to strengthen his allure as a ruler.
His connection to Cleopatra enhanced this narrative, leading to the public viewing of their partnership in a Dionysiac light.
Excess versus Moderation: Propaganda centered on the stark contrasts between Antony's revelry and Octavian's restraint, which were exploited in literature and public sentiment.