What is the Res Gestae Divi Augusti?
Q: What is the Res Gestae Divi Augusti?
A: The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is a funerary inscription detailing the life and achievements of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus.
Q: Where was the original inscription placed?
A: The original inscription was engraved upon a pair of bronze pillars which were placed in front of Augustus' mausoleum.
Q: Where were various copies of the text found?
A: Various copies of the text were found throughout the Roman Empire, the most notable being a nearly full copy, written in both Greek and Latin, found preserved on a temple dedicated to Augustus in Ankara, Turkey.
Q: When was the final version of the Res Gestae usually dated to?
A: The final version which is usually dated to the same year as Augustus' death in 14 AD.
Q: Is the Res Gestae fully accurate as a source?
A: No, the Res Gestae is not fully accurate. Whilst not lying, he does not mention some things such as his proscriptions of his enemies. He refers to his rival Marc Antony as 'a faction'.
Q: What does the inscription say about the money Augustus spent?
A: The inscription says much about the money he spent on the people, Rome and the empire.
Q: How does Augustus refer to his titles?
A: Augustus only gains his titles because of the universal support from the people and, most importantly, the Senate.
