Pax Romana
In Pax Romana, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles describes Roman life under Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. Throughout his long life and rule, Augustus presents himself as a restorer of the republic, and centralizes his power with clever propaganda. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: What title did Augustus take as ruler of Rome?
A: Augustus took the title Princeps, meaning "first among equals." This was a strategic move to avoid the appearance of kingship, instead presenting himself as a servant of the state with great responsibility and power rather than a dictator or emperor.
Q: How did Augustus portray his accomplishments? What did he communicate to the people?
A: Augustus publicly played down his power. For example, in his Res Gestae, he listed the offices he declined rather than boasting about those he held.
Q: What was Augustus’s challenge?
A: He had to be a leader of a country that had killed citizens of Rome. He needed people to see him as a leader rather than a tyrant.
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