Resistance to the Rise of the Principate: An Analysis of Literary Allusions to Augustus’ Rivals

<p>This dissertation asserts that opposition to Augustus and the establishment of the Principate was pervasive and originating from all social strata. After examining incidents of political resistance and social unrest, the project analyzes literary allusions to those who were killed or exiled while challenging Augustus’ rise to power. Using maps, coins, and other artefacts to help explore topographical and contemporary references, this study maintains that coded depictions in literature may provide deeper understanding of events from the period, especially since many of our extant sources are biased, incomplete, or composed centuries later.</p> <p>The case studies for the literary portion of this research include Vergil’s Camilla and Palinurus in the <em>Aeneid</em>, Ovid’s Daphne in the <em>Metamorphoses</em>, and a collection of episodes from Ovid’s <em>Metamorphoses </em>and <em>Fasti </em>that plausibly represent familial strife in the <em>domus Augusta</em>. Two chapters on Vergil suggest that his portrayals of Camilla and Palinurus convey admiration for the endeavors of Fulvia and Sextus Pompey on behalf of those who lost their land or were placed on the proscription list during the Triumviral period. The next chapter proposes that Ovid’s Daphne is a satirical comparison of Apollo’s claim over his new triumphal tree when he was denied Daphne’s body with Octavian’s recast of his victory over Cleopatra after failing to keep her alive for his triumph. The final chapter analyzes allusions to strife in the imperial household in stories from Ovid’s <em>Metamorphoses </em>and <em>Fasti </em>that were modified from earlier versions in a manner that challenges the authority of the <em>princeps </em>and his dynastic plans. This chapter also considers Ovid’s apprehension about the punishment of artists in his depictions of Arachne and Marsyas.</p> <p>The poetic episodes studied in this dissertation are multilayered, so that the allegories are one of many readings possible, allowing the poet to allude to controversial events ambiguously enough that his enthusiasts would appreciate the coded commentary without the risk of offending the Augustan circle. While the vagueness of some references challenges modern observation, the use of maps, coins, and ancient art provide context clues for us to appreciate the allusions to the fallen challengers of Augustus.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Villareal, Christina McGuire

• Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity
• Classics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.brynmawr.edu/dissertations/228

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.brynmawr.edu:dissertations-1238