# Res Gestae Divi Augusti

> autobiographical inscription of Augustus Caesar, at Temple of Rome and Augustus at Ankara, Turkey

**Wikidata**: [Q734095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q734095)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Res_Gestae_Divi_Augusti)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/res-gestae-divi-augusti

## Summary
The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is an autobiographical inscription of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, documenting his life and achievements. The text was originally displayed at the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey). It serves as both a historical record and a piece of imperial propaganda.

## Key Facts
- The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is classified as a literary work, autobiography, and propaganda.
- It was inscribed at the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ankara, Turkey.
- The text has 33 sitelink counts across various platforms.
- Alternative titles include "Res Gestae," "Achievements of the Divine Augustus," "Aug. Anc.," and "Aug. RG."
- The Wikipedia title for this work is "Res Gestae Divi Augusti."
- It is described on Wikidata as an autobiographical inscription of Augustus Caesar located at the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ankara, Turkey.

## FAQs
What type of work is the Res Gestae Divi Augusti?
The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is an autobiographical inscription that serves as both a literary work and a piece of propaganda, documenting Augustus Caesar's life and achievements.

Where was the Res Gestae Divi Augusti originally displayed?
The inscription was originally displayed at the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey).

What are the alternative titles for the Res Gestae Divi Augusti?
The work is also known as "Res Gestae," "Achievements of the Divine Augustus," "Aug. Anc.," and "Aug. RG."

## Why It Matters
The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is a crucial historical document that provides insight into the reign of Augustus Caesar and the early Roman Empire. As an autobiographical account, it offers a unique perspective on Augustus's achievements and the political climate of the time. The inscription's dual nature as both a historical record and propaganda piece makes it an invaluable resource for understanding how Roman emperors shaped their public image and legacy. Its preservation and study have significantly contributed to our knowledge of Roman history, politics, and culture.

## Notable For
- Being the autobiographical account of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor
- Serving as both a historical document and a piece of imperial propaganda
- Its unique preservation as an inscription at the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ankara, Turkey
- Providing insight into the political and cultural climate of the early Roman Empire
- Its influence on our understanding of Roman imperial ideology and self-presentation

## Body
### Historical Context and Significance
The Res Gestae Divi Augusti, or "The Deeds of the Divine Augustus," was written near the end of Augustus Caesar's life, around 14 CE. As the first Roman emperor, Augustus's reign marked the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. This inscription serves as his personal account of his accomplishments and the state of the empire during his rule.

### Content and Structure
The text of the Res Gestae is divided into several sections, each detailing different aspects of Augustus's life and achievements. These include his political offices, military victories, public works, and contributions to Roman society. The inscription also emphasizes Augustus's role in restoring peace and stability to the Roman world after years of civil war.

### Location and Preservation
The most complete version of the Res Gestae was found inscribed on the walls of the Temple of Rome and Augustus in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey). This temple, dedicated to the goddess Rome and the deified Augustus, served as a fitting location for the emperor's self-penned eulogy. The inscription's preservation in this location has been crucial for modern historians, as it provides one of the most comprehensive accounts of Augustus's reign.

### Literary and Historical Value
As an autobiography, the Res Gestae offers a unique perspective on Roman imperial history. However, it's important to note that the text was also intended as propaganda, presenting Augustus in the most favorable light possible. Historians must carefully analyze the content, considering both its historical value and its role in shaping Augustus's legacy.

### Influence on Roman and Modern Historiography
The Res Gestae has had a lasting impact on how we understand the Roman Empire and its first emperor. It has influenced both ancient and modern historiography, serving as a primary source for scholars studying the Augustan age. The inscription's emphasis on peace, prosperity, and imperial expansion has shaped our perception of Augustus's reign and the early Roman Empire.

### Related Works and Comparisons
While the Res Gestae is unique in its form and content, it can be compared to other ancient autobiographical works and imperial inscriptions. Similar texts from other Roman emperors and Hellenistic rulers provide context for understanding the Res Gestae's place in the broader tradition of ancient self-presentation and historical documentation.

### Archaeological and Epigraphical Significance
The discovery and study of the Res Gestae have contributed significantly to the fields of archaeology and epigraphy. The inscription's preservation and the techniques used to study it have advanced our understanding of ancient Roman writing practices and monument construction.

### Cultural and Political Impact
The Res Gestae not only documents Augustus's reign but also reflects the changing nature of Roman politics and society during the transition to empire. Its emphasis on Augustus's role as a restorer of peace and traditional values speaks to the broader cultural and political shifts occurring in Rome at the time.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. PHI Latin Texts
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/abbrevhelp)