CLCV 13000 Augustus: Art, literature and politics
Augustus’ accession to power after decades of civil war was a moment of tremendous cultural and political change. Rome breathed a sigh of relief, but the price was virtual monarchy. We will examine contemporary painting, sculpture, and monuments, contemporary authors (Livy, Vergil, Horace, Propertius, and Ovid), historical accounts (Velleius, Tacitus, Suetonius), Augustus’ own writings, the marriage legislation and legal reform to evaluate his claim to have restored politics and society. Topics include: empire and constitution; orientalism and gender norms; the power of the prince and that of writers.