Augustus and Propaganda

Sculpures, Literary, Coins

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Sculptures

1) Military Leader, shown with cherubs, highlights link with the Gods. 'every detail in the statue symbolises his achievements'

2) God, improved claim that he was related to the Gods. In Eastern Empire, and after his death

3) Statesman, member of the senate. Wanted to be seen as sharing the power, not ruling the state

4) Religious Leader, toga over head showed humbleness. More authority, could pass moral laws easily

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Literary

1) Suetonius, goes against Propaganda, says Augustus is fickle with his love life, committed adultery. Ordinary looks. Emphasises humble life, 'Augustus's other personal habits are generally agreed to be unexceptional'

2) Horace, 'Prosper the marriage law, that it may be fruitful of children', 'Faith, Peace, Honor, Old fashioned modesty and Virtue', 'Rejoice for Victory at Actium', 'Augustus will be held a God amongst us', 'His country yearns for its Caesar'

3) Ovid, 'Granted for merit as he preferred not flattery'

4) Tacitus, 'seduced the soldiery with gifts, the people with corn and everyone with the delights of peace'

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Coins

1) Avenger, liberator, great warrior and saviour.

2) Priesthoods, shown with gods, Pontifex Maximus, for signs of Priesthoods.

-Widespread source of propaganda, everyone can see it

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