I. Introduction
This primary source document talks about the governing strategies that Emperor Augustus put forward in order to ensure the stability of the Roman state. It is important to understand that for a state to be considered as being stable it has to be in a position to sustain itself in terms of economics, politics, and also address the needs of its social strata adequately. This primary source draws from this rationale because Augustus talks about the securitization of this state. The deeds of Augustus spelt out in this documents explain how Augustus addressed issues of national security, how he addressed economic insecurity, and how he empowered the society by enhancing a strong military and continued food security.
II. Purpose of document
The main reason why this primary document was written was to explain to the audience how the various facets of the Roman Empire were organized and governed. The document talks about the political organization of the empire and the powers that the senate bestowed on the emperor. The clear distinction between the senate and the emperor illustrates a sense of balance of power with the political hierarchy of the empire. It is also evident from deed No.5 that Augustus did not embrace dictatorship. He valued the respect of the rule of law and the balance of power between the senate and himself.
This document was also written so as to explain the role of a strong economy in ensuring the stability of the Roman Empire. It was due to the resources that the empire enjoyed that it was able to sustain a strong military and carry out military expedition in other parts of the world like Sicily and Africa.
III. Audience to which the document is addressed.
The audience to which this document is addressed is readers who might be interested in learning about the political and socio-economic organization of the ancient Roman Empire. Bearing in mind that concept of today’s democracy and the power of the nation-state are borrowed from the Roman Empire, this document would be addressed to today’s political elite.
IV. Major Points Covered.
One of the facets that the author of this primary document capitalizes is the handling of security within the state. It is apparent from this document that the army was important in maintaining the existing structure of governance by making sure that the security of the subjects was preserved. This book also talks about the economic security of Rome as a state. It is because of the great wealth it terms of resources like gold that made it possible for the Romans to conquer other states. The monetary wealth that Rome enjoyed made it possible for Augustus to sustain the large military as well help sustain other friendly nation that did not enjoy the level of wealth that Rome enjoyed.
For instance in Deed No. 17, Augustus writes that he “ offered HS 170,000,000 from my patrimony to the military treasury, which was founded by my advice and from which rewards were given to soldiers who had served twenty or more times”(Augustus,14CE, p.7). This is a clear indication that the economic strength of Rome during the leadership of Emperor Augustus contributed the military might of the nation which accounts for the ability of the Romans to expand their rule to other parts of the world. In addition, it is apparent from this primary document that Emperor Augustus was also concerned about food security of the state. This means that Augustus was key in addressing the fundamental needs and wants of his citizenry so as to ensure that subjects rallied behind him at all times.
V. Context
This primary document was written in the context was the ancient times. This means that it was written either when Augustus was in power or after he left office. It is therefore written in the context of an audience who understand the past history and organization of the Ancient Roman civilization. It is also evident from the deeds of divine Augustus that he valued the needs and concerns of the church. For instance, Augustus explains in deed No.21 that he “ built the temple of Mars Altar on private ground and the forum of Augustus from war-spoils” (Augustus, 14CE, p.4). This shows that Augustus valued the church and he therefore took it upon himself to build a temple.
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, I have learned from this analysis that the political organization of the Roman Empire, and its economic strength contributed to the expansion of the Roman rule in various parts of the world.
Augustus. (14 ACE). Deeds of the Divine Augustus (T. Bushnell, Ed.). New York:
