Triremes in the Acanthus Blossoms: the Image of Apollo in the Age of Augustus

Abstract

The third quarter of the first century B.C. was a time of great political upheaval in Rome. The dictator Julius Caesar had been assassinated and many factions were vying for his position as leader of Rome. Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, conquered the opposition and became Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. During his campaigns, Octavian looked towards the gods for divine support and one in particular emerged over the years as his patron deity - the multi-faceted Apollo. Octavian came to rely heavily on Apollo, and yet, while his leadership strengthened, he also sought the aid of other patron gods. This thesis examines the relationship between Octavian and Apollo, and the manifestation of their relationship in public and private art from a chronological perspective. In this investigation, the associations that Octavian formed with other significant deities will also be addressed, examining the contributions these made to Augustan art. Chapter One briefly outlines the history of the pre-Augustan Apollo. The development of the god at Rome is examined, tracing Apollo's progression from a Greek deity, through to his assimilation into Etruscan religion, and finally, inclusion into the Roman Pantheon. In Chapter Two the relationship between Octavian and Apollo is discussed. The origin of this association will be traced back to the battle of Philippi, and it will be demonstrated that Apollo was initially the patron god of the Conspirators. Both how, and why, Octavian chose to adopt the god of his enemies will be examined. Chapter Three applies this analysis to the realm of art and demonstrates how Apollo held a significant position in the public art of Augustus. Octavian's connection with other deities is investigated in Chapter Four. This discussion focuses on Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Vesta and Diana. Finally, in Chapter Five is illustrated the connection between Apollo and the other gods in Augustan art.