Res Gestae Divi Augusti The Achievements of the Divine Augustus

This slim volume has rightly stood the test of time as both an introduction and accompaniment to Augustan studies. Suitable for anyone with an interest in the First Roman Emperor, and students at both secondary and tertiary level.

The Res Gestae of the Roman Emperor Augustus (63 BC - AD 14) is a "catalogue of his achievements which he wished to be inscribed on bronze tablets and set up in front of his mausoleum." He entrusted this catalogue to the Vestal Virgins after his death. Three extant sources contain the Res Gestae and it is clear that all three come from a common original. At the funerals of famous men at Rome "it was the practice for some member of the family to deliver an oration commemorating the dead man's virtues and achievements." Often, men left behind them "more permanent memorials in the form of inscriptions recording their careers and deeds." Thus, Augustus' Res Gestae, although much more elaborate and grandiose, are part of this literary tradition. The editor points out that these lists could not contain "untrue" elements because everyone would see the tablets; however, the historian who wrote them could be highly selective in his word choice and content - i.e. keep that in mind when you read the Res Gestae. Augustus' Res Gestae is addressed to Roman citizens. This document only addresses parts of his legislation, "leaves out his administrative reforms, and does not fully cover his revival of the old Roman religion." However, this document is "designed to demonstrate and justify the unique position of preeminence which [Augustus] had come to hold." He lays out his triumphs and military victories, entry into public life, and his accumulation of honors (he stresses that they were bestowed on him by the people). The Latin is composed in a clear style which makes easy reading for intermediate Latin students (for whom this small volume was designed). This edition contains facing Latin and English pages, very extensive and useful notes, a comprehensive introduction dealing with the constitutional position of Augustus, sources concerning his reign, the style, date and composition of the Res Gestae, a useful appendix on Roman constitutional terms, and a chronological table. This is a must read for anyone interested in Roman history or those who want to brush up on their Latin.

Although others have produced excellent editions of the Monumentum Ancyranum or Res Gestae Divi Augusti, Brunt's text of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti is by far and away the most useful for the advanced undergraduate history student with no Latin background, or Latin students with an interest in epigraphy and the history of one of the greatest propagandists ever. Brunt's text is clear, well-organized, useful and thoughtful -- as one would expect given his scholarly stature in the field. But his explanatory notes, his introduction and the level of historical background he presupposes in his audience make his version of this revealing and important inscription perfect for graduate and undergraduate students alike. These notes, introduction and index do not just help the student to read the text; they also help students to place this laundered version of Octavian's (aka Augustus) rise to power in its historical, political, epigraphical and literary contexts. Whether reading the inscription in Latin or English, the student gains real insight into Augustus as Augustus wished to be remembered, and into Roman military, economic and political history during the turbulent transition from Republic to Principate.I highly recommend it for a variety of courses in Latin and Roman History. It is an approachable and useful primary source for those new to Roman history; an excellent exercise in imperial Latin epigraphy for students learning about Roman inscriptions; and a modestly priced textbook for Latin courses at the intermediate to advanced level. By far and away the best edition for college and university students.

You have to love the audacity of the premise - a memoir to God and humanity of the accomplishments of an Emperor of the Roman Empire, inscribed in copper-plate on a giant pillar. Going by his humble singular name, Augustus, the Emperor recounts the thousands he fed, the temples he built, the subjects he clothed and housed, the lands he claimed, the peoples he conquered and the tears he shed. The "Res Gestae" is without a doubt one of the most amusing and enjoyable classics of ancient literature. The humor of the work stems from the conjunction of the Emperor's apparent piety and self-proclaimed excessive acts of devotion to his subjects with his brutal regime. He never sees the incompatibility between his presentation of purity, and his presentation of repentance. But unlike a self-aggrandizing dictator of this age, say Mobutu Sese Seko or Kim Il Sung, Cesear Augustus actually did pillage and conquer to the betterment of his nation. Within the interior of the Empire, the people prospered and enjoyed peace and extensive commerce. The great flowering of culture that we attribute to the Pax Romani can be traced to this great Caesar. In just a few short pages we see the self-portrait of a man who is worthy of having a month named after him - how many world leaders can you say that about? The "Res Gestae" does have a serious side, and taken alone it is not a proper introduction to the history of the period. But the book, er pillar, is a fascinating and compact presentation of a life that never let up and won't let you down. It is definitely a "must read." Then get a more scholarly review of what really happened. Frankly, who knew history could be so much fun?