Building a dynasty : the familial politics of Augustus, 44 BC – AD 14 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University, New Zealand
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2025
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Massey University
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Abstract
The first princeps, Augustus, used a range of strategic familial tools to consolidate his power and create a dynasty which would rule the Roman Empire until AD 68. He orchestrated a series of marriages that strengthened his own family unit with the hopes of children with powerful ancestry and lineage. Adoption was another vital tool, as it legally gave Augustus sons to whom he could pass on his wealth, power, and legacy. This was a tool with which he was very familiar, having been adopted posthumously by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, which significantly advanced his political standing. He also ensured that men from within the domus Augusta were given significant political and military roles which ensured that Augustus’ influence throughout the Empire was widespread. This thesis explores these methods used by Augustus to solidify and strengthen his unprecedented levels of power and examines the roles of key figures from within the family – such as Livia, Octavia, Julia, Agrippa, Tiberius, and Gaius and Lucius Caesar – who were central to the princeps’ dynastic plans. By intertwining personal familial relationships with political strategy, Augustus not only secured his own position but also set a precedent for the dynastic nature of Roman imperial rule.
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