Exemplary Influences and Augustus’ Pernicious Moral Legacy

Abstract

This chapter turns to the less often discussed, negative side of Suetonius’ generally laudatory biography of Augustus, arguing that the portrayal of the emperor’s private relationships with the female members of his family constitute a critique of his exemplarity, especially when one considers the strict marriage laws that he instituted, but personally failed to uphold. Suetonius’ presentation of material relating to Augustus’ domestic life is contrasted with the account by the later historian Dio, which brings out how Suetonius lays emphasis on the ironic results of Augustus’ actions. This reading of Suetonius suggests that he undermines his portrait of Augustus through subtle ironies of presentation and structure, counting on the reader to make comparisons between different parts of the Life.

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