Why Was Augustus So Respected by Later Emperors - Research Paper Example

RESEARCH PAPER, ENGLISH LITERATURE IC AND MODERN) Introduction: This paper delves in the discussion of the various reasons that made Augustus so much respected by the afterwards emperors. This was an emperor of the Roman Empire. It is important to highlight that the paper has been partitioned into various segments to enhance clarity and neatness. The paper has an introduction that brings to the attention of the audience or the readers of the paper what the paper is all about. There are the objectives of the research, the thesis statements that the paper tends to discuss and supports based on the various findings in the paper from the various sources both primary and secondary, the research methodologies as well as the conclusion part of the paper (Lukas and Spek, 2008). Thesis statement Augustus was highly respected by the later emperors in the Roman Empire. Research objectives To determine the reasons that made Augustus the most respected Emperor in the Rome Empire. To find the various contribution of Augustus in the empire from economic contributions, through the social contributions to the political contributions. To determine the various areas that Augustus needed to have improved for his leadership to be much effective and efficient. To ascertain the key qualities of Augustus that made him the most respected as well as the most outstanding Emperor in the Roman Empire. These could be emulated by the others who probably would be aspiring to be the next emperors of the Empire. To determine the leadership skills that Augustus employed kin his leadership role as the Emperor of the Roman Empire. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY It is important to highlight that the study will use different types of methodology to get the results. The following methodology will be used during this study. Research approach Deductive Approach In this approach, it is important to highlight that it would enable the researcher to make very critical analysis on every single detail that the researcher comes into interaction with.. It is important to highlight that the researcher has to be very cautious and takes into account every piece of information that is considered to be kind of vital, resourceful as well as important. This is a very vitl and credible approach that should be put into use by all the researchers in the event that they would want to determine the actual and more viable information regarding a problem. It is the so called top-down approach (Karl, 2012). Inductive Approach Under this kind of approach, it is important to highlight that the researcher uses the various observation skills and then make crucial evaluation of the factors that are seen. By this, it is important to highlight that the observations are then attached or associated with the general views, perceptions and theories that are in the human mind. This is also the method that is known as the bottom-up approach (Stephen, 2008). Research design Under this, it is important to highlight that the research has been designed into various segments for the various information that are presented to be diverse thereby enabling accessibility to a lot of responses from various resource persons. The segmentation is also to enhance the effective presentation of the paper. These sections are therefore exploratory research section, explanatory research section, and finally descriptive research. These research designs are described below (Peter, 1997). Exploratory Research It is important to highlight that this kind of research enables the researcher to determine the best research design, selection of subjects and the most ideal data collection methods for a given research problem that has been clearly defined and is outstanding. Furthermore, exploratory research is based on secondary resources such as looking at available literature and data and such as qualitative research interviews with various persons who are in a position to give the information that the researcher believes would be very vital in answering the research problem by the end of the study. Exploratory research aims at gaining an insight for new phenomenon or obtains a familiarity to be able to formulate hypotheses (Stephen, 2008). Descriptive Research In this kind of research, it is important to highlight that it is more orderly as it tends to give the findings in a chronological order and in series as well as sequentially. Many researchers strive to identify and to figure out the terms of these kinds of researches. Descriptive research is also known as statistical research and describes characteristics and data in regards to phenomenon or population that the researcher has studied (Patricia, 2013). In this regard, even though the description of data is accurate, real and systematic, it is almost impossible that the researcher is able to find out what has caused the situation. Hence, it is not proper to use descriptive research in creating causal relationship, where one variable influence another. It is therefore important to highlight that this kind of research is near truth based on the order of the findings (Stephen, 2008). Data collection methods It is important to highlight that this section presents the methods that will be used to collect data during this study. The study has employed the use of both secondary as well as secondary sources of information. The research therefore took into the step of starting with the primary sources of information and they are discussed below: Primary sources of information It is important to reiterate the fact that the research used historical books in this area to determine the actual reasons behind the respect that was so much accorded to Augustus in the Roman Empire. The books below therefore give the answer to the objectives of the research (Miriam, 2009). i. Administration of questionnaires and oral interviews It is important to highlight that there was the need to get the diverse opinions of the people concerning Augustus respect. This therefore called for the need and necessity for conducting an oral interview as well as the administration of open ended questionnaires. It is important to highlight that the oral interview and the open ended questionnaires were quite ideal as they allowed the respondents to express themselves fully concerning the topic in question (Miriam, 2009). Under this, it was also considered to be very economical since there was no money spent on typing of the questions but were rather disseminated and administered orally. This was therefore quite economical in the study. The method was as well very favorable since it catered and was suitable for all classes of people; those who are literate as well as the illiterate people because there was no reading or writing that the respondents were involved in (Jasper, 2006). Secondary Sources of information It is important to highlight that the study also employed in a large percentage the use of secondary sources of information for the research. Secondary research is the type of research that had been researched and published by someone else. Secondary research is always seen to be time saving since it does not always require the researcher to carry out any survey. It is also known as the desk top research, (Miriam, 2009). The secondary sources of information can either be available within or outside the organization. It is important to note that secondary research is always less costly. The disadvantage of this research is that information can easily be altered. The researcher will however be very vigilant on the type of data. In this case, the data should only be collected from the specified sources that are certified and approved to be containing the required information that would help in the answering of the researcher’s problem statement (North, 2000). Below are some sources of secondary information that were considered to be very vital in providing the required information. An Introduction to the Ancient World - Page 230 by Lukas De Blois, ‎R.J. van der Spek – 2008. This book focuses on the factor that led to the succession after the era of Augustus. Under this, the book tends to highlight that it was because of the very sensitive and crucial affairs that was the major cause of the succession exercise. The authors tend to discuss that most of the emperors tried to modify their habits and actions. This was with them putting in mind Augustus as their role model in this leadership mission. They said that it was on how the leaders emulated the kind of political system development that was well established by Augustus that made them to accord him the respect that he was given (Karl, 2012). Roman Religion - Page 61, by J. A. North – 2000 This book also talks of the great ceremony that was conducted in the memory of Emperor Augustus. It is important to highlight that the occasion was held twenty three times in the country to remember him. This was in different reigns by different emperors. This was a great ceremony that was in honor of the emperor after he had passed on. These were just on the basis of the respect that was accorded to Augustus (North, 2000). Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome - Page 18 by Mike Corbishley – 2004 In this book, it is important to highlight that this talks of the need for the integration as well as the unity of the Roman state. Under this, the book is so clear on the war that was brought in against Anthony. This was during the Octavarian reign who was the most powerful leader in the 27 Before Christ. He therefore had the title of the most respected called Augustus which meant sacred or revered. These were some of the reasons as well that led to the respect given as the people made the assumption that they were appointed by God and so they were the representatives of the Lord here on earth. It is also important to highlight that they were so much respected by the senate and as the tradition; the senate were in many cases the ones who could possibly take the thrown. This respect that they had gotten used to was therefore so inflicted in them and it went on and on even after they had taken over (Mike, 2004). A Companion to Julius Caesar - Page 278 by Miriam Griffin – 2009 This book is so clear on the respect that is accorded to the Augustus in the early or the ancient days. It is important to highlight that during this era, this book therefore is an executive summary that gives all that is contained in the books that were written by the three authors with all of them focusing on the Augustus (Miriam, 2009). The World of Rome: An Introduction to Roman Culture by Peter V. 1997 This book highlights much on the people who were considered and taken as the deputies to the various emperors of the times of their reign. It is important to highlight that this book gives much on the ways of living in the Roman state and the ways that they were passed from generation to generation. It is important to highlight that the formalities and procedures that were to followed were highly respected before the various people would be allowed to come into interaction with the emperors or the Augustus as they were termed (Peter, 1997). Blood of the Caesars by Stephen Dando-Collins – 2008 This book is all about the family background of Augustus and the occurrences that were seen in the families that were involved in the marriage breaks ups and hook ups with new people. These were as well similar to certain happenings in the past. It is important to highlight that the emperor was much loved and liked by the general public and that he was sharing the same birthday just like his father-in-law. He was respected for the marital mind make up that he undertook and then had his way back to Rome with another aim that he was going to care for the grandchildren (Stephen, 2008). Data presentation From the findings that was obtained during the interview and the collection using the questionnaires, it was found that nearly all the leaders agreed that they respected Augustus. The interview was conducted in a sample of 10 people. In the findings, it was found that 8o percent of the people agreed to the thesis statement that Augustus was highly respected with only 10 percent not conforming to the statement while the other 10% were not sure whether he was respected or not. This was therefore a proof that the thesis statement is therefore realistic and genuine. The chart below therefore shows the results of the findings (Mathews, 1991). Conclusion In conclusion, it can be said that Augustus was much respected by the later emperors. This is so evident based on the findings that are in the paper as presented. The saying that leaders are representation of the Lord and the authoritative nature of Augustus as well as the contributions that he made was as well certain factors that could have possibly been a reason for this kind of respect that was much accorded. He was also respected being the founding father of the empire (Jasper, 2006). Executive summary Based on the findings from the discussion, it is clearly evident that Augustus was respected in the Roman Empire by the later emperors (Mathews, 1991). References Jasper B., Great Women of Imperial Rome: Mothers and Wives of the Caesars, London, Routledge publishers, 2006,page 141. Jonathan, E.Augustus: His Contributions to the Development of the Roman State in the Early Imperial Period, Edinburgh University Press, 2009, page 432. Lukas B. and ‎R. Spek, An Introduction to the Ancient World - Page 230, London, Rout ledge, 2008, page 234. Mathews, B. , A Dictionary of the Roman Empire, UK, Oxford University Press, 1991, page 523.  Mike C., Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome, Boston, Getty publications, 2004, page 18. Miriam, G. A Companion to Julius Caesar Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World, John Wiley & Sons, 2009, page 278. North J., Roman Religion , US, Cambridge University Press, 2000, Page 61 Patricia, S. Augustus, London, Routledge publishers, 2013, Page 23. Peter, V. The World of Rome: An Introduction to Roman Culture, Cambridge University Press, 1997, page 534. Stephen, D. Blood of the Caesars: How the Murder of Germanicus Led to the Fall of Rome, Willey and Sons, 2008, page 43. Karl, G. Augustus: Introduction to the Life of an Emperor, Cambridge University Press, 2012, page 230. Annotated bibliography ii. Suetoniuss historical book, "The lives of the twelve Caesars” It is important to highlight that C. Suetonius Tranquillus was born towards the end of the reign of Vespasian. He was the son of Roman knight who was also a legion. They lived on the Otho side. This was during the scramble and battle that was for the success and favor of the empire. The book stats clearly that Vespasian passed on during the termination of the Christian era in the Empire. The book gives the history of Julius Caesar who was also known as the divine. It clearly states that he lost his father when he was only sixteen years of age. With the leadership in the Roman Empire being hereditary and monarchical in a way, he was appointed into the office where he became the top priest of their god, Jupiter. He therefore had to find the need to be in the class and a state that would made him ti be treated as the other members in the leadership council. This led to him falling in and thereby marrying Cornelia. The couple later was blessed and had a daughter whom they named Julia. It is important to highlight that Caesar was doing all these despite the efforts that were being put in place by Sylla against him to divorce Cornelia. This led to him undergoing some kind of torture to make him conform to the suggestions and commands that were directed by Sylla. He lost his estates that he inherited from the late father; he lost his position in the office and as well the dowry of the wife that he had paid. He was therefore obliged to elope and leave the country, (Rome). It is important to highlight that he had to use the different accommodation facilities for hiding purposes and sealing and concealing his identity so that he could more be traced and tracked easily. He used different rooms every night and day. However, he was later noticed and had to use unorthodox means to escape the risk. He bribed the officers and saved himself from the situation. The case came to a halt when his very close relatives came to his rescue. And as it is always said, blood is thicker than water, Mamercus Aemilius and Aurelius Cotta intervened and he was thereby pardoned. It can be clearly noted that Caesar was a very firm individual and was very decisive in his moves that he made. Under this, it can be noted that for a leader to be respected, the principles of the leader are very key to the respect that is accorded the leader. For the case of Caesar, it can be clearly seen that the decisive and firm nature in terms of the decisions and moves that he made as they are highlighted in the book could have possibly been the key reasons that could have possibly been the reason for the respect and fear. The judgments that people make on an individual are based on the actions and principles of the individual. As the leader in the Roman Empire in the then days, it was this perception and how people viewed Caesar that made him be respected. The other Emperors believed that he was dangerous in a way and they had to follow his footsteps to deliver like he did. It is also important to highlight that he was a dictator as well in nature and this made the Roman Empire to be successful in a way and respected by the other empires. This therefore led to the protection of the resources that were within the empire and could not be scrambled for by the colonialists and other empires that were fighting against each other to shut other empires and get the resources in such empires. This is therefore a factor that accorded him the respect that he had as the other emperors as well had to keep the empire to the pace that he left it and not make it go down. This is a hard task and like climbing up the mountain. Maintaining the empire to the state that he left it was not that easy and therefore the later emperors therefore associated the effort that he put in place to safeguard the empire from the overthrowing that were experienced in the other neighboring empires. To be a successful leader, it is always important to be so hard and a dictator to some extent and fight for the better of the people whom you lead. This will be appreciated after your reign or tenure has gone and another comes in. iii. Publius Cornelius Tacitus It is important to highlight that very little is known concerning the life of Tacitus but the little that is borrowed or taken from the pieces of writings that he made could tell much about him. He commenced his historical writing while he was forty five years of age and during this time, it is important to reiterate the fact that this man, Tacitus tended to associate his life to the empire and this was the core motive and area of focus in his writing. He was so influential with his writings especially during the reign of Vespasian in its early stages. It is important to acknowledge the strong efforts and enthusiasms that he put to drive him into success and excellence of all kinds. He worked hard towards the achievement that he worked towards that is the leading in the orators. He was a very active player in all the fields that he engaged himself in and this is vindicated in the letter that the he wrote during his youth days with his friends like Pliny. He later married the daughter of the British Governor. This was another success that he achieved. He went out of the country for ministerial duties for a period of four years and came back only to find a strong force that had developed in the country. This was the force of Domitian. Read More