Active learning ideas
The Augustan Age marks the definitive end of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Principate. This topic focuses on how Octavian, later Augustus, successfully consolidated power after decades of civil war. Students evaluate his political genius in maintaining the 'illusion' of the Republic while holding absolute authority, his social and moral reforms, and his use of art and architecture as propaganda.
Activity 01
Students work in groups to analyze specific sections of Augustus's own account of his life. They must find one 'truth,' one 'omission,' and one 'exaggeration,' then present their findings to the class to show how he shaped his legacy.
How did Augustus disguise his autocratic power?
Activity 02
Display images of the Prima Porta Augustus, the Ara Pacis, and various coins. Students move in pairs to identify symbols of peace, divinity, and military strength, explaining how each image reinforced Augustus's right to rule.
What were the key features of the Augustan settlement?
Activity 03
Students role-play a meeting of the Roman Senate where Augustus 'returns' his powers. Some students act as skeptical senators and others as supporters, debating whether this is a restoration of the Republic or a clever political trap.
How successful were Augustus' moral reforms?
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A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Augustus was a beloved leader from the beginning.
His early career as Octavian was marked by brutal proscriptions and civil war. Using a 'before and after' character analysis in a think-pair-share helps students understand the massive PR campaign required to transform his public image.
The Republic was 'restored' as Augustus claimed.
While the outward forms remained, the reality was a military autocracy. A collaborative mapping of the 'Augustan Settlement' helps students see how he held all the actual power (tribunician power and proconsular imperium) while appearing to be just a 'first citizen'.
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