CLAS330/HSTAM 330: The Age of Augustus

Paper #1: Suggested Topics

Due Tuesday, February 4

NB: These topics are merely suggestions. You are free to devise your own topic, but please clear it with me before you begin!

1. We are told that in November of 43 Octavian, Lepidus, and Antony met by themselves on an island in a river just outside of Bononia (modern Bologna): see C&F B13 and I39b. In the course of that conversation they discussed how best to consolidate their position and rid themselves of their enemies. The result was the formation of the triumvirate and the institution of the proscriptions. Recreate the conversation, or part of the conversation, between these three men.

2. In several speeches delivered in late 44 and early 43, Cicero urged the Senate to support Octavian against Mark Antony. Two excerpts from these speeches are found in C&F B7 and B8. We know that speeches were also delivered in rebuttal to Cicero's remarks, specifically by a senator called Lucius Piso. Compose a speech such as Piso might have delivered in order refute Cicero and dissuade the Senate from supporting Octavian and abandoning Antony.

3. Plutarch tells us (C&F B15) that in the conversation alluded to in #1 that Mark Antony vigorously urged that Cicero should be killed. Octavian -- according to one tradition -- is said to have objected. Compose a speech in which Octavian argues why Cicero should be allowed to live.

4. Cleopatra gets generally bad press in Roman literature (cf. Horace Epode 9 in C&F B25b). Write a speech or letter in which Cleopatra defends herself and her actions to the Roman people.

5. In the course of the proscriptions several women (among them Hortensia, daughter of a famous orator) banded together and protested to the triumvirs the way they and their husbands (most of whom had been killed or were slated to be killed) were being treated. Compose a letter such as Hortensia might have written to Octavian protesting the proscriptions. See esp. C&F B14 (the proscription edict).

6. Before the battle of Actium (cf. C&F B25) Antony is said to have delivered a speech to his troops in which he explained why they should fight Octavian and support him. Write a speech such as Antony might have delivered.

7. When Octavian, who was in Greece (Illyria) at the time, heard that Julius Caesar had been assassinated and that he had been named Caesar's heir, he is said to have hesitated whether or not he should return to Italy and claim his 'inheritance' (cf. C&F B3). Write a soliloquy in which Octavian debates with himself the pros and cons of returning or staying in Greece.

8. In the year 27 Augustus delivered a speech in which he laid out the terms of what has come to be called 'the Augustan Settlement' (cf. esp. C&F B28). Recreate that speech, or part of it.

9. Propaganda played an important role in the 'war' between Octavian and Antony. Pamphlets, for example, were often thrown over the walls or into the camps of the opposing side, urging the soldiers to defect to one side or the other. Compose such a pamphlet, urging either desertion to Antony or to Octavian.

10. In May of 44 Octavian finally confronted Antony in Rome, who (it is claimed) had tampered with Caesar's will, making it difficult for Octavian to 'get what was coming to him.' This confrontation is alluded to in C&F B5. Write a conversation such as Antony and Octavian might have had on this occasion.

11. In a passage from Appian quoted in C&F B22 we read that in 36, when Octavian returned to Rome, he wrote to Antony, evidently in an attempt to reconcile with him. Compose a letter such as Octavian may have written on this occasion.

12. Compose a letter in which one of Augustus' slaves, who was present as his death, writes home to describe the emperor's death -- and explain why he was such a great (or terrible) man. Cf. C&F B53.

13. A propraetor in Crete in the year 27 BC has heard that there have been major changes in provincial administration as a result of the Augustan Settlement. Write a letter to the propraetor from Augustus in which the emperor describes his views on how the provinces should be run and defends the changes he has made (or intends to make). Check, among other things, the assignment for Oct. 18 and 19for relevant passages.