'Augustus' — OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation
In summary: 'Augustus' is a key topic in OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation. Key exam tip: Use the prescribed visual/material sources as starting points for commentary questions.
Exam Tips for 'Augustus'
- Use the prescribed visual/material sources as starting points for commentary questions.
- In extended essays, integrate secondary scholarly views to substantiate your analysis.
- Consider the intended audience for each piece of propaganda (e.g., plebeians vs. elite).
- Ensure you can explain the 'why' behind the imagery—what specific political problem was Augustus trying to solve?
- Practice comparing how different media (coins, architecture, poetry) convey the same message.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to link visual/material sources to their specific political or social context.
- Treating propaganda as objective historical fact rather than a constructed image.
- Ignoring the 'anti-monarchical' background of the Roman Republic when discussing Augustus' rise.
- Lack of focus on the 'effectiveness' of the image-making process.
- Over-reliance on one type of source (e.g., only literature) without integrating visual evidence.
Marking Points
- Understanding of Augustus' association with Julius Caesar (Divi filius) and its benefits/dangers.
- Analysis of Augustus as a military commander (Imperator) and the justification of civil wars.
- Evaluation of Augustus' role in religious restoration and his personal association with gods like Apollo.
- Interpretation of the 'Golden Age' imagery and the concept of the 'Pater Patriae'.
- Analysis of the promotion of moral and social values (marriage, luxury, pietas, virtus).
- Ability to link literary and visual sources to the Augustan political context.
- Use of secondary scholars to support arguments in extended responses.
Overview of 'Augustus'
Augustus, the first Roman emperor, transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Principate, establishing a system of imperial rule that lasted for centuries. This topic is central to OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation, as it explores how Augustus consolidated power after the chaos of the civil wars, presenting himself as a restorer of the Republic while actually creating a monarchy. Students will examine key events such as the Battle of Actium (31 BC), the constitutional settlements of 27 BC and 23 BC, and the establishment of the Praetorian Guard. Understanding Augustus is crucial for grasping the transition from Republic to Empire, a pivotal moment in Roman history.
The topic also delves into Augustus's use of propaganda, including his Res Gestae (The Achievements of the Divine Augustus), coinage, and building programmes like the Ara Pacis and the Forum of Augustus. These sources reveal how he crafted an image of piety, military success, and moral reform. Students will analyse primary sources such as Suetonius, Tacitus, and Augustus's own writings, evaluating their reliability and bias. This topic matters because it shows how political power can be disguised as tradition, a theme relevant to any study of leadership and governance.
Within the wider OCR A-Level, 'Augustus' connects to themes of imperial power, religion, and society. It builds on earlier topics like the Late Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar, and it sets the stage for later emperors such as Tiberius and Nero. By studying Augustus, students gain insight into the mechanisms of autocracy, the role of the army, and the manipulation of public opinion—skills essential for analysing any historical period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Augustus maintain power without becoming a dictator like Julius Caesar?
Augustus learned from Caesar's mistakes by avoiding overt symbols of monarchy. He refused titles like 'dictator' and instead accumulated powers gradually, always claiming to restore the Republic. He used his auctoritas (personal authority) and control of the army to dominate, while allowing the Senate to retain some functions. His constitutional settlements gave him legal powers, such as tribunician authority and proconsular imperium, without appearing to abolish republican offices.
What was the significance of the Res Gestae?
The Res Gestae was Augustus's autobiographical account of his achievements, designed to justify his rule and shape his legacy. It lists his military victories, building projects, and charitable donations, emphasising his piety, generosity, and success. It was inscribed on bronze pillars and displayed in Rome and across the empire, serving as a powerful propaganda tool. For historians, it is a key primary source, though it must be read critically as it omits failures and exaggerates successes.
Why did Augustus introduce moral legislation?
Augustus introduced laws like the Lex Julia de adulteriis (18 BC) and the Lex Papia Poppaea (AD 9) to promote traditional Roman family values and increase the birth rate among the elite. He believed that moral decay had contributed to the civil wars, and he wanted to restore Roman virtue. The laws penalised adultery and rewarded marriage and childbearing. However, they were unpopular and often ignored, showing the limits of Augustus's social reforms.
How did Augustus use religion to support his rule?
Augustus revived traditional religious practices and linked himself to the gods. He became pontifex maximus (chief priest) in 12 BC, restored temples, and promoted the cult of the Lares and Penates. He also associated himself with Apollo, claiming divine favour after his victory at Actium. The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) and the Temple of Mars Ultor emphasised his piety and role as a bringer of peace. This religious propaganda helped legitimise his authority and unify the empire.
What was the role of the Praetorian Guard under Augustus?
The Praetorian Guard was an elite military unit created by Augustus to serve as his personal bodyguard and to maintain order in Rome and Italy. It consisted of nine cohorts (about 4,500 men) stationed in and around Rome. The Guard gave Augustus a visible armed presence, deterring potential rivals and ensuring his security. However, it also became a political force, later involved in assassinations and emperor-making, a development Augustus may not have fully anticipated.
How did Augustus's building programme reflect his political aims?
Augustus famously claimed to have found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble. His building projects, such as the Forum of Augustus, the Ara Pacis, and the restoration of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, were designed to beautify Rome and promote his image as a restorer of tradition and peace. They also provided employment and demonstrated his wealth and power. Each building had propaganda value, celebrating his military victories, divine favour, and moral reforms.
← Back to Classical Civilisation OCR A-Level Specification · All Classical Civilisation Topics