Portraiture of Augustus

"Yet Augustus was the most successful ruler known to us. He found his world, as it seemed, on the verge of complete collapse. He evoked order out of chaos; got rid one after the other of every element of opposition; established what was practically a new form of government without too violent a breach with the past; breathed fresh meaning into old names and institutions, could stand forth as a reformer rather than an innovator, while even those who lost most by the change were soothed into submission without glaring loss of self-respect. He worked ceaselessly to maintain the order thus established, and nearly every part of his great empire had reason to be grateful for increased security, expanding prosperity, and added amenity of life. Nor can it be said that he reaped the credit due in truth to ministers He had excellent ministers and agents, with abilities in this or that direction superior to his own; but none who could take his place a whole. He was the centre from which their activities radiated : he was the inspirer, the careful organiser, the unwearied manipulator of details to whom all looked, and seldom in vain, for supported and guidance. We may add this to a dignity never forgotten, enhanced by a physical beauty and grace which helped to secure reverence for his person and office, and established a sentiment which the unworthiness of some of his successors could not wholly destroy. " -- Shuckburg, Augustus Caesar

See also the section on Augustus and his city of marble at Janus Quirinus.

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items are from between 28 Aug 2002 & 20 Apr 2009.