Augustus and Livy's Unique Romulus

Abstract

This thesis will explore Livy’s version of the story of Romulus, especially with respect to Augustus. Romulus was the founder and first king of Rome and was highly admired by Augustus, who considered himself a second Romulus. Livy, a historian writing during the rule of Augustus, recorded our fullest extant version of the Romulus legend. I aim to show that through his Romulus story, Livy was presenting to Augustus praise for actions already taken and advice for his rule, as well as a warning for the future. Livy states that his history is meant to provide his readers exempla (examples) of how to live. Since one of his most important readers would have been Augustus, I argue that Livy used the Romulus legend to provide commentary on Augustus and his rule. Furthermore, Livy offers alternate versions of some stories which allow us to question the role of Augustus in Rome. Most of all, Livy offers a warning to Augustus and anyone with power not to make enemies, for if you do, the senators may tear you apart when a cloud descends.