Augustus: First of the Roman Emperors

Julius Caesar’s military brilliance forged a new Rome, but it was Augustus’ political genius that made it an empire for the ages. Despite being Caesar’s nephew and adopted heir, Augustus struggled for thirteen years to consolidate power. Finally declared Emperor by the Senate, he oversaw a period of growth and prosperity marked by extraordinary artistic achievement and rapid expansion of the Empire.

• anarchy
• aristocracy
• ascent
• avenge
• blandishments
• bravado
• consolidate
• cunning
• embroiled
• exploit
• façade
• frugal
• incumbent
• ostensibly
• proscriptions
• reconcile

1. Augustus was Julius Caesar’s nephew and adopted son. Discuss the relationship between the two men and how it influenced Augustus’ rise to power.

2. Members of the Senate assassinated Julius Caesar on the steps of the Senate. How did Augustus react to the assassination of his uncle?

3. Roman politics involved a good deal of mud slinging and intrigue. Compare the politics of ancient Rome with politics today.

4. Julius Caesar had a son, Caesarian, with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Why did Caesar choose Augustus as his heir instead of Caesarian?

5. Although Augustus and Marc Antony were rivals, they forged an alliance. How did their common interests necessitate a temporary alliance?

6. Despite their temporary alliance, the time came when Augustus challenged the power of Marc Antony. What finally forced Augustus to challenge Marc Antony?

7. How did Augustus solidify his popularity with the Roman armies and the people?

8. What were some of the improvements Augustus made in Rome? How were these improvements symbolic gestures?

9. Augustus boasted that he “found Rome brick and left it marble.” What did Augustus mean by this?

1. Research the fashions of the day and design clothing that Romans might have worn. Use your designs to illustrate and explain the class distinctions in the Roman Empire. Does dress still dictate wealth and social position today?

2. Imagine that you are a historian in the ancient world. Write an account of Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s defeat at the Battle of Actium. Remember that historians not only describe events, but also try to analyze events and their significance in history.

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Air Dates

• January 13, 2005