Welcome to the Final Piece of the Puzzle!
You’ve already explored how Augustus built his image as a young warrior, a religious leader, and a "Culture Hero." Now, we are looking at the Later representations of Augustus. This chapter is all about how Augustus wanted to be remembered as his reign drew to a close, and how later writers like Suetonius looked back on his life. Think of this as the "Legacy" phase of his PR campaign!
In this section, we focus on how the image of Augustus shifted from a man of action to a timeless, stable, and semi-divine figure. We will look at his own final words in the Res Gestae, the poetry of Horace and Ovid, and the retrospective biography by Suetonius.
1. The Res Gestae: Augustus’s Final Word
The Res Gestae Divi Augusti (The Deeds of the Divine Augustus) is one of our most important sources. It was written by Augustus himself near the end of his life and was inscribed on bronze pillars outside his Mausoleum.
Why does it matter?
It is his "political testament." Augustus doesn't mention his enemies by name (he calls Mark Antony "a faction"). Instead, he focuses on his pietas (duty) and how he "liberated" the state. He famously claims that while he had more auctoritas (influence/authority) than anyone else, he had no more power than his colleagues in the magistracy. This is the ultimate "Later Representation" because it shows exactly how he wanted history to view him: as a humble restorer of the Republic, not a dictator.
Quick Tip: If you get a stimulus question on the Res Gestae, look for his focus on clementia (mercy) and the vast amounts of money he spent on the Roman people. He wants to be remembered as the ultimate Pater Patriae (Father of the Country).
2. Later Poetry: Horace and Ovid
As Augustus aged, the poets who wrote about him changed their tone. The image became less about winning wars and more about the eternal peace and divinity he brought to Rome.
Horace: Odes, Book 4
Written much later than his earlier works, Horace’s Odes 4.4 and 4.15 portray Augustus as the source of all Roman safety. In Ode 4.15, Horace claims that Augustus has "brought back the crops to the fields" and "closed the gates of the Temple of Janus" (symbolizing peace). Don't worry if the Latin names seem tough; just remember that Horace is framing Augustus as the man who ended the chaos of the civil wars for good.
Ovid: Metamorphoses
In the final book of Metamorphoses (15.745–870), Ovid describes the deification of Julius Caesar. But why does he do this? To show that Augustus is even greater! Ovid suggests that Julius Caesar had to become a god just so Augustus could be called the son of a god (Divi filius). This later representation pushes Augustus toward the realm of the immortals while he was still alive.
3. Suetonius: The Retrospective View
Suetonius wrote The Lives of the Twelve Caesars about 100 years after Augustus died. This gives us a "later representation" from a historical perspective. Suetonius isn't just writing propaganda; he includes personal details (like Augustus’s spots, his limp, and his gambling) to create a more "human" portrait.
Key themes in Suetonius:
- The Civil Servant: Suetonius highlights how Augustus improved the city (the "city of brick to a city of marble" quote).
- The Private Man: He describes Augustus’s simple tastes in food and furniture, supporting the image of moral legislation and frugality.
- The Divine Omens: Suetonius records many signs (omens) that suggested Augustus was destined for greatness from birth, reinforcing his semi-divinity.
4. Visual Legacy: Stability and Succession
Later visual representations focused on the longevity of the dynasty. Augustus knew he wouldn't live forever, so his image started to include his intended heirs.
The Aureus of Gaius and Lucius:
This coin depicts Augustus’s grandsons, Gaius and Lucius, as principes iuventutis (Leaders of the Youth). By placing them on his coins, Augustus was using his "later representation" to ensure a smooth transition of power. He was no longer just a leader; he was the head of a dynasty.
The Sebasteion at Aphrodisias:
This is a massive temple complex in modern-day Turkey. The reliefs here show Augustus as a world conqueror, often depicted alongside gods and personifications of the nations he conquered. It shows how the Imperial Image had spread to the provinces—Augustus was being worshipped as a god-like figure far beyond Rome.
Augustus of Prima Porta:
Even though it might be a copy of an earlier work, this statue represents the "Eternal Augustus." He is shown as a man in his prime—fit, powerful, and heroic—even though he was actually in his 60s or 70s when later versions were made. This is a key "later representation" because it rejects the reality of aging in favor of a timeless, god-like image.
5. Summary: Key Takeaways
To help you remember, here is a Quick Review of the "Later Representations":
- Res Gestae: Augustus's self-written legacy focusing on auctoritas and pietas.
- Retrospective Literature: Suetonius looks back with a mix of admiration and personal "gossip," while Ovid emphasizes Augustus's divine destiny.
- Dynastic Stability: Later coins (like those of Gaius and Lucius) show Augustus as the founder of a family line, not just a solo leader.
- Provincial Worship: Sources like the Sebasteion show that by the end of his reign, Augustus was viewed as a cosmic, world-ordering figure.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse the "Later Representations" with his early "Octavian" image. In the later period, the focus is on peace, stability, and family, whereas the early period is all about military victory and revenge for Julius Caesar.