ABSTRACT
As we have seen in the last two chapters, the period following the celebration of the Ludi Saeculares in 17 B.C.E. was one of change in and around the family of Augustus. The coming of age of the next generation forced decisions about marriages, family strategies, and the public role particularly of the men of the house. In analyzing these decisions, I argued that Augustus and his relatives should not be seen as aiming at a dynasty at this early stage, but rather utilizing the resources of his family to consolidate his position. Even so, the effects of such strategies began to appear in public imagery; around 13 B.C.E., state coins, cups in military camps, and public buildings in the city began to honor the family of Augustus and its individual members in unusual ways. These images reflect a number of converging phenomena – public discourse about familial and civic obligations in the aftermath of the civil wars, the growing social status of Augustus’ family due to its role in protecting his position, and the occasional presentation of his own role in the community as at least partly paternal.
