Augustus
Introduction to the Life of an Emperor

In this lively and concise biography Karl Galinsky examines Augustus' life from childhood to deification.

Karl Galinsky (Author)

9780521767972, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 July 2012

226 pages, 22 b/w illus. 3 maps
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.47 kg

'Students starting a course on the wider period or Augustus in particular will find this invaluable. Anyone else with an interest in the theme, or who simply wants to gain a glimpse of such a remarkable and important historical figure, can do no better than to start with this short book.' Dr Adrian Goldsworthy, adriangoldsworthy.com

Augustus, Rome's first emperor, is one of the great figures of world history and one of the most fascinating. In this lively and concise biography Karl Galinsky examines Augustus' life from childhood to deification. He chronicles the mosaic of vicissitudes, challenges, setbacks and successes that shaped Augustus' life, both public and private. How did he use his power? How did he manage to keep re-inventing himself? What kind of man was he? A transformative leader, Augustus engineered profound change in Rome and throughout the Mediterranean world. No one would have expected such vast achievements from the frail and little-known eighteen-year-old who became Caesar's heir amid turmoil and crisis. A mere thirteen years later, after defeating Antony and Cleopatra, he had, in his words, 'power over all things'.

1. From Velitrae to Caesar's heir
2. Power struggles and civil war
3. The experiment of the principate
4. The challenge of pax Augusta
5. Augustus at home: friends and family
6. Cultural vitality
7. The Augustan empire: unity and diversity
8. The final days and an assessment.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Biography: historical, political & military [BGH]