Augustus, First Roman Emperor

Matthew D. H. Clark

ISBN 10: 190467514X / ISBN 13: 9781904675143

Published by Liverpool University Press, GB, 2010

About this Item

Rome's first emperor, Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, has probably had the most lasting effect on history of all rulers of the classical world. This book focuses on his rise to power and on the ways in which he then maintained authority throughout his reign. It is often assumed that the close relationship between power and presentation, popularly known as 'spin', is a modern phenomenon. Augustus, however, emerges as consummate master of the political process, using propaganda to fashion his own historical legacy. Clark examines the importance of his chief political advisor Maecenas, the patron of Horace and Virgil; and of his military commander Agrippa. He also considers the contrasting fates of the main poets of Augustus' reign, Virgil and Ovid, and the public monuments that - as much as poetry -- served to shape his reputation.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781904675143

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Augustus, First Roman Emperor
• Publisher: Liverpool University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 190467514X
• ISBN 13: 9781904675143
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Rome's first emperor, Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, has probably had the most lasting effect on history of all rulers of the classical world. This book focuses on his rise to power and on the ways in which he then maintained authority throughout his reign. It is often assumed that the close relationship between power and presentation, popularly known as 'spin', is a modern phenomenon. Augustus, however, emerges as consummate master of the political process, using propaganda to fashion his own historical legacy. Clark examines the importance of his chief political advisor Maecenas, the patron of Horace and Virgil; and of his military commander Agrippa. He also considers the contrasting fates of the main poets of Augustus' reign, Virgil and Ovid, and the public monuments that - as much as poetry -– served to shape his reputation.

About the Author

Matthew D. H. Clark teaches Classics and Ancient History at Shrewsbury School. He is co-author of 'Measuring the Cosmos' (2003) and reviews regularly for JACT.