Prima Porta
What is Augustus wearing on his body?
A military breastplate (cuirass) and military clothing.
Who wrote The Aeneid
Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro)
Who was Julius Caesar, and how was he related to Augustus?
Julius Caesar was Augustus' great-uncle and adoptive father. He named Octavian as his heir.
Who is the Queen of Carthage in The Aeneid?
Dido
What is the only month of the year to end in a vowel?
June
What historical event is represented on the breastplate?
Return of the Parthian Standards - 20BC
Which goddess was Aeneas' main divine enemy throughout the epic?
Juno
What was the name of the naval battle in 31 BCE where Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra?
Battle of Actium
What was the name of Aeneas' son?
Ascanius/Iulus
In what decade did the Rolling Stones form?
1960s
What does Augustus' raised right arm suggest about his role AND what is the Latin term for this pose?
It suggests he is addressing or commanding his troops as a powerful military leader. Adlocutio pose
What is the Latin term for duty and devotion to the gods, family and country?
Pietas – duty and devotion to the gods, family and country
What was the Pax Romana, and approximately how long did it last?
The Pax Romana was a long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire, traditionally dated from 27 BCE to 180 CE (approximately 200 years).
What does the barefoot depiction of Augustus Prima Porta suggest about how he wanted to be remembered?
It suggests Augustus is godlike, heroic and almost immortal. His bare feet also associate him with divine or heroic figures.
Which country invented the paperclip?
Norway
How does the statue combine Greek artistic influence with Roman political messaging?
It uses Greek artistic influences such as idealised anatomy, youthful beauty and contrapposto, combined with Roman military imagery and political messages.
Why does Aeneas' decision to kill Turnus at the end of the epic complicate our view of him as a hero?
Aeneas kills Turnus after seeing Pallas' sword belt. Although he has a duty to avenge Pallas, the act raises questions about whether Aeneas is acting out of justice or uncontrolled anger (furor). It challenges his identity as a hero guided by pietas.
How did Augustus use religion and traditional Roman values to strengthen his position?
Augustus promoted traditional Roman religion, restored temples, encouraged religious practices and presented himself as a restorer of Roman morality. He associated his leadership with the favour of the gods and traditional values such as pietas, virtus and gravitas.
Why is Augustus Prima Porta depicted as a youthful, idealised figure rather than showing his actual age?
To portray Augustus as eternally youthful, powerful and physically perfect. It creates an image of an ideal ruler rather than a realistic portrait of an ageing man.
What is a baby puffin called?
A Puffling
Explain how the Prima Porta statue uses visual propaganda to communicate Augustus' power and legitimacy.
The statue communicates Augustus' authority through his commanding pose, military clothing and breastplate imagery. Cupid and the dolphin link him to Venus and therefore to divine ancestry through Aeneas. His idealised body suggests perfection and almost divine status. Together, these features present Augustus as a legitimate, powerful and divinely supported ruler.
What was the purpose of including the shield of Aeneas, featuring scenes from Rome's future, in Book 8?
The shield foreshadows Rome's future and celebrates its achievements, particularly Augustus' victory at Actium. It connects Aeneas' destiny with the eventual greatness of Rome.
How did Augustus use art, architecture and literature to create a positive image of his rule?
Augustus used monuments such as the Ara Pacis, statues such as Prima Porta, coins and literature such as Virgil's Aeneid to promote his achievements. These presented him as a divinely supported leader who restored peace, traditional values and Roman greatness.
How does Virgil use The Aeneid to connect Rome's legendary past with Augustus' rule?
Virgil presents Aeneas as the legendary ancestor of the Roman people and connects his journey to Rome's destiny. Augustus is presented as the fulfilment of this destiny, linking his rule to divine favour, Roman greatness and the restoration of peace.
Who killed Alexander Hamilton?
Aaron Burr