In some ways, Augustus and the Julio-Claudian emperors who succeeded him were rather successful rulers. But the stories of these rulers have elements of tragedy--tragedy both for the rulers themselves and for the people of Rome. Comment.
POTENTIAL ID'S:
PRINCIPATE, PRAETORIAN GUARD, AGRIPPA, JULIA, TIBERIUS, RES
GESTAE
DIVI AUGUSTI, SEJANUS, CALIGULA, CLAUDIA, NERO, SENECA
I. Introduction
II. Weaknesses of Augustus
A. Ill health
B. Inexperience
C. Role in triumvirate
D. Moral character
III. Advantages
IV. Difficulty or reorganizing govt./solving problems
A. Monarchy?
B. Restored republic?
V. The Principate
VI. Reforms
A. Army
B. Rome/Italy
C. Morals
D. Morale
VII. The problem with succession
VIII. Tiberius
IX. Gaius (Caligula)
X. Claudius
XI. Nero
READING ASSIGNMENT:
It's probably a good idea to start reading portions of the Aeneid. Be sure that you have read books One, Two, and Four four our first Virgil discussion and books Six, Eleven, and Twelve for the next discussion. Study questions are included in the "Roman Poets" outline online. As you read, look for evidence that will help you in preparing an essay in response to the following question:
Though Roman poetry is largely an imitation of the poetry of
the
Greeks, the best of the Roman poets are all strikingly original--not so
much in the forms they employ, but in their insights into the human
condition.
Comment.