Would Augustus Have Liked HBO’s Rome?

The Roman Emperor Augustus has captivated historians and audiences with his reign and the complex web of political and personal relationships he navigated during his time. While HBO's Rome presents a dramatized portrayal of his era, analyzing his potential reaction sheds light on his personality and values.

Augustus and His Character

Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, was a shrewd political strategist who aimed to restore stability to Rome after years of civil warfare. Known for his careful management of his public image and political acumen, he sought to project an image of a leader who prioritized peace and order (Pax Romana) while maintaining strict control over power. This blend of personal and political character suited his role in reshaping the Roman world.

Rome: A Dramatized Account of the Late Republic

Pop culture often distorts historical accuracy for dramatic effect, and HBO's Rome is no exception. The series features a mix of political intrigue, personal relationships, and moral complexities. Augustus is portrayed as a calculating figure who navigates treachery and ambition, which somewhat aligns with his historical persona. However, the series embellishes certain aspects of his life, particularly his relationships and the moral ambiguities of his time. This dramatization might not have sat well with Augustus.

The Public Image vs. The Dramatized Reality

Augustus was known for his guarded lifestyle and preference for a respectable public image. He would likely find the more scandalous portrayals in Rome—such as infidelities and brutal power struggles—unflattering or distasteful. His personal life was closely intertwined with his political strategy, and he was particularly protective of his family, especially his sister Octavia. Given this, he might have found some of the series’ depictions of his family dynamics problematic.

Augustus and His Sister Octavia

Augustus had a close bond with his sister Octavia Minor. The relationship was characterized by mutual loyalty, especially after Octavia's marriage to Mark Antony and the subsequent fallout from Antony's affair with Cleopatra. Despite Antony's betrayal, Augustus honored Octavia and ensured her security and dignity. The series depicts these events but dramatizes Octavia's struggles and emotional turmoil, showing her as a victim of political decisions. While Augustus might have appreciated the acknowledgment of his familial ties, he would likely disapprove of the more sensationalized portrayals of his sister's suffering and his ruthless political maneuvers.

Augustus’s Reaction to HBO’s Rome

Given Augustus's complex personality and values, it's likely that his reaction to Rome would have been mixed. He might have appreciated the dramatic portrayal of his political acumen and the acknowledgment of his family's role in his political strategy. However, he would probably find the more sensationalized depictions of his personal life and his sister's suffering unflattering or distasteful. The series suggests a level of personal betrayal and emotional manipulation that may not align with his actual approach to governance and family loyalty.

In conclusion, while Augustus might have seen value in the dramatized portrayal of his political strategies, the more sensationalized aspects of his personal life and his relationships would likely have troubled him. His desire for stability and his careful management of his public image would have dictated his viewpoint on the series.