Aureus Augustus

• Both images are the same size

  -implies to the audience that they (Julius and Octavian) are of the same caliber

  -implies Octavian is the rightful heir

  -they are equal
• Both have the same facial exppression

  -stoic facial expression

  -relaxed, unconcerned - have a plan - indicates the type of leader Octavian is to be and the qualities he posses

  -encourages the audience to see Octavian as Caeser's heir
• Differences in political engravings

  - 'dictator in perpetuity' v 'consul'

  - consul is elected position of shared power, by associating with this Octavian indicates to the senate he holds a democratic political ideology

  - whereas a 'dictator in perpetuity' , is associated with despotism

  -Octavian is stressing differences in political ideologies
• Difference in religious engravings

  - 'pontifex maximus' v 'priest of agurs'

  - 'pontifex maximus' is the highest possible religious title which shows the audience that Caesar is established

  - whereas Octavian understands he is at the stat of the ladder, as priest of augers is a lower down title

  -tells the audience that Octavian understands and will show religious values
• Both looking same way

  -indicates that both Caesar and Octavian have the same views

  -Octavian will continue Caesars ideas and legacy
• Comparing himself to Caesar

  -Establishes to audience that Octavian understands himself to be the heir to Caesar
• Effect on the Plebeians

  -Positive

  -Plebeians gain an understanding that Octavian will continue to stand for what Caesar (who was popular with them from offering work ect) did and follow with his work

  -They do not understand his political viewpoint as such due to their inability to read
• Effect on upper class and senate

  -Positive

  -Octavian stresses that although he supports Caesars ideas he wants to separated himself with Caesars political despotism that the senate associated him with

  - They understand Octavian will be more democratic
• laurel wreath


  -awarded by senate after a triumph

  -Caesar given permission to wear it as he pleased

  -As Octavian does not have it, implies Octavian acknowledges Caesar is above him