Augustan Age

Definition

The Augustan Age refers to the period of Roman history during the reign of Augustus Caesar, from 27 BCE to 14 CE, marked by significant cultural and political transformations. This era is characterized by a flourishing of literature and the arts, establishing a legacy that influenced Roman identity and shaped Western culture, including epic works such as Vergil's Aeneid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Augustan Age was not only a time of political consolidation but also saw the promotion of traditional Roman values and morality, aligning with Augustus' vision of a restored Rome.
2. Vergil's Aeneid, particularly Book 2, showcases themes of fate, duty, and the trials faced by Aeneas, symbolizing the struggles of Rome itself during this formative period.
3. Literary works from this time often reflect Augustus' efforts to connect his rule with Rome's legendary past, emphasizing themes of heroism and destiny.
4. Augustus initiated extensive building programs in Rome, commissioning monuments that celebrated his achievements and reinforced his position as the 'father of the nation'.
5. This age established a foundation for subsequent Roman literature, with its emphasis on epic storytelling and cultural identity continuing to resonate in Western literature.

Review Questions

• How did the Augustan Age influence the themes present in Vergil's Aeneid, particularly in Book 2?
  • The Augustan Age influenced Vergil's Aeneid by embedding themes of duty, heroism, and the glorification of Rome's origins within its narrative. In Book 2, these themes manifest through Aeneas' struggles against fate and his commitment to his mission. Vergil mirrors Augustus’ own ideals by portraying Aeneas as a model leader whose trials reflect the challenges faced by Rome itself during Augustus' rule.
• Discuss how Augustus used literature as a form of propaganda to solidify his power during the Augustan Age.
  • Augustus strategically employed literature as a tool for propaganda to shape public perception and legitimize his authority. By sponsoring poets like Vergil and Horace, he promoted works that emphasized Roman ideals and values. The narratives crafted during this era often highlighted Augustus’ role in restoring peace after civil strife, creating an image of himself as a protector of Rome's destiny and its moral fabric.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the Augustan Age on Western literature and culture through its key literary works.
  • The Augustan Age left an indelible mark on Western literature and culture through its emphasis on epic narratives and character-driven storytelling. Works like Vergil's Aeneid not only established thematic foundations for future literature but also reinforced cultural values that persisted in later Western thought. The ideals presented in this era influenced countless writers and thinkers throughout history, shaping notions of heroism, duty, and national identity that remain relevant today.

Related terms

Pax Romana: A long period of relative peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire that lasted for about 200 years, beginning with Augustus.

Imperial Propaganda: Strategies used by Augustus to promote his image and legitimize his rule, often through literature and public works.

Golden Age of Latin Literature: A period during the late Republic and early Empire when Latin literature reached new heights, with prominent authors like Vergil, Ovid, and Horace.