Essay On Augustus Res Gestae

Though we all wish to be remembered for our good deeds, some of us might be a little outlandish in making sure that our deeds don’t go unnoticed. Augustus’ Res Gestae did just this as it was a particularly embellished autobiographical account of the many achievements and deeds that he achieved while he was emperor. The intent of the Res Gestae was to sway the opinions of its reader to align with the ways in which Augustus wanted himself to be remembered.
The Res Gestae recorded all of Augustus’ many good deeds towards the empire, of which he wanted to be remembered by. Though the accounts in his listing are based on truths, most of the facts have been “touched up” a bit in order to put Augustus in a good light. Though he was an extremely
However, many of these details are grossly over exaggerated or possibly made up. Augustus fabricated these details because he intended the Res Gestae to be used as propaganda to support his reign as emperor. In the appendix of the Res Gestae, it is stated that the total sum of sesterces that Augustus donated to various causes was 2.4 billion. While Augustus was a wealthy man, it is highly unlikely that he simultaneously maintained a large personal fortune and handed out billions of sesterces. Augustus also claimed that he “returned the republic to the people and senate” though he in fact still retained power for himself. This propaganda was very effective in swaying the Romans in support of Augustus who is depicted in these stories as a great and just ruler of Rome.
By telling these embellished stories in the Res Gestae, Augustus intended to influence the citizens of Rome, specifically to support him and his empire. His propaganda was very effective and Augustus was celebrated throughout the history of the empire as the great founder of the empire who brought peace and stability to