Political Skill vs Military Skill
44 BC - 31 BC
The following is an essay plan for a previous A2 examination question:
'In the period 44-31 BC, Octavian's success was due more to his skills as a politician than to his abilities as a general'. How far do you agree?
Adopting Caesar's Name44 BC. Having no legitimate children, Caesar had adopted his great-nephew Octavian as his son and main heir. Upon his adoption, Octavian assumed his great-uncle's name, Gaius Julius Caesar
|
Why was this political skill?- Association with the power of Caesar. Custom of 'mos maiorum'.
- Create links to important figures. Caesar's allies and clientela. - Aid in establishment of principles. - Gave the plebs a reason to remember Octavian. Increase ethos. |
Why was this military skill? - Ensure the loyalty of Caesar's legions.
|
Formation of the Second Triumvirate & Treaty of BrundisiumNovember, 43 BC. Octavian met Antony & Lepidus in Bononia and they entered into a five-year autocratic pact, the Second Triumvirate. The triumvirs accepted the powers of a dictator and took several measures including passing land bills to Caesar's veterans.
40 BC. Treaty of Brundisium: Octavian control of western provinces, Antony control of eastern provinces, Lepidus control of Hispania and Africa. |
Why was this political skill? - Ensured Octavian had control/influence over all affairs in Rome.
- Would remain in Rome to establish clientela. Importance stated by Cicero of staying in Rome. - Land bills ensured loyalty of Caesar's veterans. |
Why was this military skill? - Triumvirs would have control over army.
|
Illyricum & Public Works34 BC. On returning from victory in Illyricum, Octavian invested in public buildings; 500 more fountains, cleaned sewage system, gives out free olive oil and salt, arranged all 170 bathhouses of Rome to be free all year, gave out tickets for food and clothes at public entertainments.
|
Why was this political skill? - All buildings would have increased his support from the plebs.
- Become seen as acting on behalf of the people compared to Antony's Donations of Alexandria. |
Why was this military skill? - Showed that he could win a battle after Antony's taunts from Philippi.
- Reliant on Agrippa for victory. |
Defeating Mark Antony31-30 BC. Octavian met Antony's forces at the battle of Actium. He pursued Antony & Cleopatra to Alexandria where he defeated them the following year; both committed suicide.
|
Why was this political skill? - Removed the opposition of Antony to Octavian's rule.
- Execution of Antony, a Caesarion, meant that he was Caesar's only available successor so ensured the support of Caesar's supporters and clientela. |
Why was this military skill? - Added Egypt to Rome's provinces. Annexed as Octavian's personal estate.
- Reliant on Agrippa for victory. |