The Age of Augustus: Essay Sample

Introduction

Rome was one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Mediterranean world during the first century B.C. as soon as Augustus came to power, he saw the need to secure his position with the Roman public and the people surrounding him. He had learned from the past leadership that the display of power led to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Augustus decided to create a god persona for himself by the use of art and architecture. The art and architecture created will portray his leadership and authority as well as legitimizing his rise to power.

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Mars Ultor

Emperor Augustus was regarded as the savior of Rome as he was the one who brought Rome into the golden age. Augustus uses the public architecture to shape his political agenda. The temple of Mars Ultor was described as a god of war and revenge "Temple Of Mars Ultor." Augustus dedicated this temple in honor of Cassuis and Brutus who played a role in betraying his father. The temple aid Augustus in reconstituting memory of the Roman people which was special in imperial policy. He created a public image that justified his ascent to leadership.

Ara Pacis

Augustus employed public propaganda in his rule. He constructed the altar, Ara Pacis. The altar was designed with a lot of visual imagery with a message of peace, and the continuity of the Augustan age "Ara Pacis." Ara Pacis was decorated with patera and garlands, which are tools used during the sacrificial ceremonies. Garlands and patera show that this is a religious place with fertility and peace. Augustus family members' images were included in the altar to show how his rule of stability and peace will continue through his children. There were mythological figures like plants that portray the entire fertility and peace in Rome.

Prima Porta Augustus Statue

The political image was important to Augustus; he constructed a politically charged image of himself using portraiture. The statue at prima porta created a political charge in the eye of the public. Prima Porta Augustus statue shows how he honors the past. Augustus wanted to show the public that he had the genealogical support to his rise to leadership. He used Greek design in the construction, like the controposto stance to show how he had a connection with the traditional standards "Temple Of Mars Ultor." Augustus used the images of the Alexander the great to show how he was a powerful military figure. The statue, in general, describes Augustus as a legitimate leader who guarantees the continuity and stability of the Rome traditions.

Works Cited

"Temple Of Mars Ultor". Penelope.Uchicago.Edu, 2018, http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/imperialfora/augustus/mars.html. Accessed 22 Mar 2018

Wing, New. "Augustus From Prima Porta - Vatican Museums". Museivaticani.Va, 2018, http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/braccio-nuovo/Augusto-di-Prima-Porta.html. Accessed 22 Mar 2018

"Temple Of Mars Ultor." Penelope.Uchicago.Edu, 2018, http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/imperialfora/augustus/mars.html. Accessed 22 Mar 2018

"Ara Pacis." Khan Academy, 2018, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/ancient-medieval/roman-empire-survey/v/ara-pacis-augustae-altar-of-augustan-peace-13-9-b-c-e-rome. Accessed 22 Mar 2018.