Augustan Age

Definition

The Augustan Age refers to a period of Roman history during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), marked by a significant flourishing in arts, literature, and culture. This era is notable for the rise of Latin epic poetry, with key figures like Virgil and Ovid producing works that explored themes of heroism, mythology, and national identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Augustan Age is often seen as a golden age of Latin literature, with poets and writers drawing inspiration from Greek predecessors while developing their unique styles.
2. The era was characterized by a strong emphasis on themes of duty, virtue, and patriotism, reflecting Augustus's desire to promote traditional Roman values.
3. Augustus employed literature as a means of propaganda, commissioning works that celebrated his achievements and the stability he brought to Rome.
4. Key literary forms that emerged during this time include epic poetry, lyric poetry, and elegy, with each genre exploring different facets of Roman life and culture.
5. The Augustan Age laid the groundwork for future literary movements in Rome, influencing subsequent poets and writers throughout the history of Latin literature.

Review Questions

• How did the political climate during the Augustan Age influence the development of Latin epic poetry?
  • The political climate during the Augustan Age significantly influenced Latin epic poetry by creating an environment where literature was used to promote stability and traditional values. With Augustus seeking to legitimize his rule and establish a sense of national identity, poets like Virgil were commissioned to craft narratives that glorified Rome’s past and its heroic figures. This blending of politics and literature resulted in epics that not only entertained but also served as tools for propaganda, reinforcing Augustus's image and ideals.
• Discuss the role of Virgil's 'Aeneid' in shaping cultural identity during the Augustan Age.
  • Virgil's 'Aeneid' played a crucial role in shaping cultural identity during the Augustan Age by presenting Aeneas as a model hero whose journey symbolized Rome’s destiny. The epic not only highlighted themes such as duty to family and country but also connected Rome’s origins to the heroic narratives of Greece. By establishing Aeneas as a founder figure, Virgil created a narrative that celebrated Rome's greatness while aligning it with divine favor under Augustus's rule. This reinforced the idea of Rome as a pivotal civilization with a unique destiny.
• Evaluate how Ovid's works contrast with those of Virgil in reflecting societal values during the Augustan Age.
  • Ovid's works contrast sharply with those of Virgil by offering a more playful and subversive take on societal values during the Augustan Age. While Virgil's 'Aeneid' emphasized duty, honor, and national identity aligned with Augustus's vision, Ovid’s 'Metamorphoses' explored themes of transformation and love, often challenging traditional norms. This divergence highlights a broader literary spectrum during this period; while Virgil was embraced by the state for promoting moral values, Ovid's focus on individual desires and playful mythology pushed against the rigid boundaries Augustus sought to enforce. This tension in literary expression reflects the complex interplay between artistic freedom and political authority in Rome.

Related terms

Virgil:

A Roman poet known for his epic work, the 'Aeneid', which tells the story of Aeneas and serves as a foundation myth for Rome.

Ovid:

A Roman poet recognized for his narrative style and innovative themes, particularly in his work 'Metamorphoses', which transformed classical mythology.

Pax Romana: A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire initiated by Augustus, which allowed for cultural and artistic advancements.