Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste, California State University Long Beach September 2001 By James

R. Walker

Octavian Augustus and the Recovery of Pietas and Cultus

California State University Long Beach, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture James R. Walker September 2001

Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste, California State University Long Beach September 2001 By James R. Walker

Rome, during the Late Republic and Early Empire, was rife with civil wars and lack of security regarding its relationship with the gods. Octavian Augustus, seeing the potential decay of the great empire, promoted and renewed a string of shared ideals and behaviors in order to unify and holster the strength of the state and thereby restoring Pax Romana. The vehicle by which this was accomplished was religion. The specific elements of religion he addressed and implemented were pietas and cultus. This manifested the rebuilding and refurbishing of temples, shrines and statues of deities and a renewed vigor in the practice of religious rites and participation in religious festivals. In doing all of this Augustus increased his popularity among the people. Moreover, today we still see examples of the ruling elite using religion to galvanize a nation. The Roman sensibilities did not separate religion and state affairs. Religion, consequently, did not constitute a separate community within Roman culture but was in fact the very same community as the society as a whole. The ultimate example of the synthesis of these two elements of Roman society is perhaps embodied in one of the titles of emperor Octavian Augustus, that is Pontifex Maximus. The success of the state, the Romans believed, had a direct relationship with the correct methodical practice, or cultus, of their state religious rites. Any wavering from this long held tradition would tempt the reprisals of the deities responsible for the success of the army and of Pax Romana, that is harmony and order within the empire. During the time bridging the Late Republic and the Early Empire, Rome was entangled in internal power struggles, civil war and religious complacency and disillusionment. This turmoil was the antecedent to the crushing defeat by the Parthians at Page 2 of 5

Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste, California State University Long Beach September 2001 By James R. Walker

Carrhae in 53 B.C.E. Roman citizens began to believe and proclaim that the lack of pietas was responsible for recent military failures and civil corruption. Pietas denotes conscientious and meticulous attention to maintaining a proper relationship with ones gods, institutions, family and fellow citizens. Romans believed that it was the long held tradition of pietas and cultus deorum, cultivation of the gods, which brought Rome such power and wealth. It follows, therefore, that recent neglect of such ideals and the associated behaviors would cause the gods to forsake Rome. Brilliantly, Augustus reversed the ails of the empire using his awareness of human behavior. Augustus had great insight into the human psyche. He coupled this knowledge with his deep understanding of Roman sensibilities to produce a campaign that brought Rome stability again. The human psyche when complacent and disillusioned is stagnant. When a culture is complacent and disillusioned its people are not necessarily single minded, it does not move forward and it begins to crumble. Furthermore, Augustus understood negligence of state religious rites and festivals caused the gods to no longer favor Rome and her affairs. This was the state of the empire when Augustus came to power. I he knew that to regain greatness all of Rome must be of one mind and one path. To ensure this he had to rally the citizens into a common interest and goal. The pietas and cultus of state religions, he knew, would be just the vehicle of solidarity needed to rebuild the citizens faith in Rome and realize his aspirations of a strong empire. What is more, the morale of the army must have been low due to the recent defeat at Carrhae. As Rome was an imperial state she depended heavily on her army for continued conquest. Through conquest Rome acquired vast wealth and power. Also, the army Page 3 of 5

Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste, California State University Long Beach September 2001 By James R. Walker

maintained order throughout the empire. Therefore, the military needed to have a sense of confidence which religion could instill Through religious righteousness the military could justify the continued seduction of other states. The army always appealed to the gods before entering war. It was imperative that they had the sanction of the proper deities before conquering a people. Bolstering the spirit of the fighting men was paramount. Augustus realized this and so across all facets of Roman society by invigorated religious pietas and cultus he generated a renewed single mindedness of the collective mind of Rome. He accomplished this by compelling rich citizens to finance the rebuilding of Romes temples, shrines and statues of deities. This must have instilled a sense of civic pride and collective patriotism. Moreover, he re-established enthusiasm and participation in state religious rites and festivals. These efforts acted as an agent of camaraderie thereby unifying the people into one voice. I believe whats more, that Augustus used this as a device to enamor himself in the eyes of the people Similar sociopolitical agendas are common even today. In recent history we can recall some nations invoking the name of God to unify the citizens into one mind, to justify their actions and to spur their military advances. During World War II some nations involved claimed godly mandate to relieve any guilt that might accompany their premeditated attack. Also, more recently, some states today use religious zeal to galvanize the impetus of a political and/or ideological movement. Perhaps the recent terrorist atrocity in the United States is a contemporary example the use of religious beliefs to unify the activities of one people and to strengthen their resolve to one end. I am of the opinion that Augustus did exactly this and even more. Page 4 of 5

Classics 310 I -- Pagan Culture, Professor Douglas Dorningo-Foraste, California State University Long Beach September 2001 By James R. Walker

Augustus, it seems to me, skillfully achieved more than just one end. By restoring pietas and cultus deorum, he dissuaded the religious complacency and disillusionment of the citizens. He encouraged the rebuilding of the beautiful temples and shrines. He moved the people into action down one path with one mind. He revitalized confidence of the military and their belief that the gods sanctioned their actions. He bolstered the strength of the empire. He restored Pax Romana and finally he improved his image in the eyes of the people.

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