Loading...
Augustus, the new Aeneas: The use of Homeric identities in the re-establishment of Roman Values
So, Emma
So, Emma
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
During the aftermath of the Civil Wars and the battle of Actium, Augustus’ image gradually became a man who held the Roman states interest above all else. A large part of his program was his pietas. This specific value was an integral part of his image, as Augustus branded himself around restoring the Roman Republic. The idea of pietas is an interesting one, as it derives completely from the Roman tradition. After the battle of Actium of 31 BCE Augustus commissioned Vergil’s Aeneid, which included major themes of pietas. This is an unusual inclusion as Vergil’s epic derives from the Greek tradition of epics, something that focuses on conflict between those within the society itself. As a definition attributed to duty toward one state, pietas is uniquely a Roman word. The emphasis placed on this specifically Roman word brings into question by Vergil used Homers epics as a blueprint in the first place. Vergil, as an author present during the time of Augustus, utilizes both the Greek tradition and the current political situation for his own benefit in order to illustrate what is means to be a Roman.
Description
Thesis (B.A. in Art History)--John Cabot University, Fall 2025.
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Augustus, Emperor of Rome, 63 B.C.-14 A.D, Aeneas (Legendary character)
Citation
So, Emma. " Augustus, the new Aeneas: The use of Homeric identities in the re-establishment of Roman Values". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2025.