Historiography

HISTORIOGRAPHY:

Ancient Roman history has been a popular topic for thousands of years. Scholars have delved into almost every aspect of the period. Even more widespread is the topic of the infamous ruler Augustus. People have been interested in Augustus and secondary sources cover every aspect of his life. It is not difficult to research the perspective of other scholars within the discipline.

According to Katharine Allen, works of literature such as Virgil’s The Aeneid and The Sibylline Books conveyed Augustus’s divine and religious ancestry. In addition, they referred to the peace and prosperity he brought to Rome.

Similarly, coins were used throughout the Roman Empire for monetary purposes and as a way to convey messages across the empire and beyond. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill notes that Augustus used coins to remind citizens of their service and loyalty to him. Additionally, Augustus was the first living Roman man to successfully put his own image on a coin.

Another important aspect of Augustan propaganda is architecture. According to David Shotter, buildings in Rome were a way for Augustus to physically demonstrate the prosperity he created. Shotter argued that he built widely to prove that Rome was prosperous and peaceful. Not only did he build and improve the city, but he also made it more beautiful by importing white marble for many of his construction projects.

The coins, literature, buildings, and statues that Augustus used as propagandist tools have been widely researched. Most scholars agree that Augustus was skillful in his use of propaganda. This digital project emphasizes the evolution of propaganda used during the age of Augustus. Not only was he ingenious in his use of propaganda, but he took it to a whole new level.