orbem terrarum imperio populi Romani subiecit

Res Gestae

In the second lecture of the series Dr. Penny Goodman provided a detailed study of the Res Gestae and Roman concept(s) of geography and space (Augustus Unlimited: Geography and power in the Roman empire).

The Res Gestae is a remarkable source, in part because it seems offer a foundation stone for imperial power, as well as demonstrating the attempt made by Augustus to control history. It is also a physical source (inscription) as well as a written document, and as Penny says in the lecture, was delivered in the senate before being sent out across the Roman world, as well as emblazoned in bronze plaques adorning his mausoleum in the Campus Martius. It can be read in part in the style of the triumphatores, and sets out with great care his achievements. It creates an overriding sense of legitimacy, with a strong effort made to consider for instance Augustus’ legal and constitutional authority.

Penny’s talks also draws upon one of the great geographers of the ancient world: Strabo of Amasia:

This, then, is the lay of the different parts of our inhabited world; but since the Romans occupy the best and the best-known portions of it, having surpassed all former rulers of whom we have record, it is worthwhile, even though briefly, to add the following account of them … Of this whole country that is subject to the Romans, some is indeed ruled by kings, but the Romans retain the other part, calling it “provincial” and send governors (hēgemonas) and collectors of tribute (phorologous).

But there are also some free cities, some of which came over to the Romans at the outset as friends, whereas others were set free by them as a mark of honour. There are also some potentates and phylarchs and priests subject to them. Now these live in accordance with certain ancestral laws.

But the provinces have been divided in different ways at different times, though at the present time they areas Augustus Caesar (Kaisarho Sebastos) arranged them; for when his native land committed to him the foremost place of authority and he became established as lord for life of war and peace, he divided the whole land into two parts, and assigned one portion to himself and one to the people.

Strabo, Geography

Strabo was born in around 64 BC, and his work (Geography) belongs to the Augustan Age. His writing fuses together history and geography, and he is particularly draw to discussions of empire, both Roman and Parthian. He defined his work as ‘chorography’, and was critical of earlier geographers (e.g. Erastosthenes). He provides an important window not just into how geography could be understood in this period, but also how the empire was changing societies and cultures across the Mediterranean. We know he travelled extensively, and his work (as Penny demonstrates) allows for a creation of Roman understanding of space and place. His work also demonstrates the realties of imperial power in the provinces.