Augustus

Starred review from September 8, 2014
Historian and biographer Goldsworthy (Caesar) showcases his deep knowledge of Ancient Rome in this masterful document of a life whose themes still resonate in modern times. Augustus, heir to Julius Caesar and architect of the pax romana, receives a detailed examination of his quasi-mythic public life; one that "speaks of immense and highly focused ambition, and of great political skill, but also of luck." A strong narrative emphasis ties the work together and is enriched by evocative details of Roman life, whether it be bathing practices, voting tendencies, or the contemporary significance of Virgil. Readers may be surprised to find ancient precedents for still-visible cultural phenomena, such as the celebrity status accorded to politicians, public delight in scandal, and leadership "constantly reinforced by... propaganda." Similarly, those attuned to contemporary politics may appreciate Augustus's struggle to initiate a unified Roman order and peace in the fallout of a failing state beset by civil war, political division, and corruption. Despite the work's density, the overall effect that Goldsworthy generates is of meeting a man whose life seems hardly distant from the modern experience. While ancient cultural practices can often feel foreign, the political motivations and machinations, the familial relations and emotions, ring as true today as at the turn of the Common Era. Maps.

August 1, 2014
Historian Goldsworthy (Caesar: Life of a Colossus, 2008, etc.) obviously has ancient Rome in his bones, and his biography of Augustus is also a solid chronicle of Rome and its development. Born Gaius Octavius, the great-nephew and adopted son and heir of the murdered Julius Caesar, Augustus emerged triumphant from the subsequent brandings, proscriptions and power struggles and was elected as the youngest consul ever. It seems everyone had his own army after Caesar's death, and Caesar was shrewd enough to realize he needed to rely on talented men like Agrippa to defeat his enemies and take his place during his repeated attacks of ill health. It was also Agrippa who built the new infrastructures in Rome and throughout the empire. In fact, during much of Augustus' reign, Agrippa did the work and happily let Augustus take all the credit. The author, who consults on documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic and other outlets, recounts the civilizing of Rome and makes sense of the political structure, as well as the strong reliance on family in politics and society. In Augustus' 40-plus years of power, the empire expanded without the need for war-the reputation of Rome was sufficient to scare off any potential enemies. Augustus and Agrippa instituted new regulations for the army, trimmed the size of the senate, changed taxation, founded the police and fire services, and built roads, aqueducts and bridges. Augustus also made sure to visit each of the provinces. Instituting the beginning of 250 years of peace and stability, he was lauded by Horace, Virgil and countless others. Goldsworthy questions why Augustus has slipped off of many historians' lists of great leaders, which include Julius Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal and Hadrian. He provides plenty of reasons why he should be at the top of those lists.

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Starred review from September 1, 2014

Goldsworthy (Caesar: Life of a Colossus) continues his tradition of chronicling the Roman empire in this monumental work. In detailing the life of Augustus Caesar (63 BCE-14 CE), the eminent classicist succeeds in his aim to present the most complete history of the founder of the principate (27 BCE-284 CE). The narrative covers Augustus's military and political efforts (Romans would see no divergence in these roles), what we can know of his interior life, and the world in which he dominated. Never shy to admit when scholars simply do not have enough evidence and ever willing to be critical of biased ancient sources, the author is a historian at his best. And Augustus is a subject worthy of such treatment, a man of contradictions--brutal and merciful, initiator of opportunistic civil wars, and establisher of lasting civil concord--who claimed to have found Rome in "mud bricks" and "left it in marble." Goldsworthy never lets the reader forget that Augustus's success was not inevitable and that "everything...he achieved in his life was based on his success as a warlord...[but] once established, he ruled well." VERDICT Highly recommended for readers of biography and military or political history, Roman or otherwise.--Evan M. Anderson, Kirkendall P.L., Ankeny, IA

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