The center of attention is, with regards to this seminar paper, the relation between Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Augustus. The paper is especially focused on their long and intimate fellowship. To illustrate the statement that neither one of them would have won fame, in exactly the same way as it took place, is the main objective of this work because it clarifies their close connectedness and dependency.
This seminar paper starts with a consideration of historical researches on Agrippa by selected historians. Agrippa appeared most often on the side of Augustus and so it is a matter of common knowledge that litera-ture about Augustus had a huge number whereas literature in respect of Agrippa was very contemplatively. Afterwards a reflection with specific aspects is joining the work for clarifying the connectedness between Agrippa and Augustus. The following key aspects like Agrippa and his self-understanding, gathering and contrariness among the two of them, Agrippa and his request as well as his road of life alongside Augustus and his funeral are entering the limelight.
Table of Contents
1.Introduction
2. Historical researches on Agrippa by selected historians
3. Agrippa and Augustus
3.1 Agrippa and his self-understanding
3.2 Gathering and contrariness among the two of them
3.3 Agrippa, his request and his road of life alongside Agustus
3.4 Agrippa and his funeral
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This seminar paper explores the intricate relationship between Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Augustus, aiming to demonstrate how their mutual reliance and intimate fellowship were fundamental to the historical developments of the Augustan Age.
- The historical historiography and existing research regarding Agrippa.
- The psychological and social dynamics of the friendship between Agrippa and Augustus.
- Agrippa’s role as the "Second Man" and his career trajectory alongside Augustus.
- The impact of Agrippa’s administrative and military contributions on the consolidation of the Roman Empire.
Excerpt from the Work
3.1 Agrippa and his self-understanding
To consider the friendship between Agrippa and Augustus is truly amazing. Over the course of time there were a couple of further outstanding and amicable relationships between leading personalities which afterwards have broken into pieces. The friendship between Augustus and Marcus Antonius was exemplary for such a crumbling.
Firstly there was unity among the two parties concerning the persecution of Caesars murderer, but ultimately they ended up as opponents with regard to the issue ‘Who should take the lead of the empire?’ Completely different on that point was the friendship between Agrippa and Augustus. Agrippa was not only a supporter or an assistant. He was more than that. He was that certain something for Augustus what is nowadays called a ‘truthful friend’.
The obvious question on that account is: ‘Why Agrippa never asked himself the question of leading without Augustus?’ His friend was always one step ahead on the career ladder. Enviousness was a phenomenon that was wide-spread, precisely in times like this and for that reason the mentioned question is not easily answered. To make Agrippa’s trains of thought accessible it is advantageous to have a look at his self-understanding.
In history he is reconsidered as a man with much priority and influence standing above everybody with the exception of his position to Augustus. Throughout his life he acted, in many cases, in ‘the second place’. From this point of view it is easier to follow that his center of interest was more a question of serving as having the burden of responsibility solely on his shoulder.
Summary of Chapters
1.Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, focusing on the close, interdependent relationship between Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Augustus.
2. Historical researches on Agrippa by selected historians: An overview of existing scholarly literature that identifies Agrippa’s relatively marginalized position in historical research compared to Augustus.
3. Agrippa and Augustus: An analysis of the personal and political partnership between the two figures, covering their educational background and contrasting temperaments.
3.1 Agrippa and his self-understanding: This section explores why Agrippa, despite his immense power, accepted a subordinate role as a loyal friend and administrator.
3.2 Gathering and contrariness among the two of them: Examines the origins of their meeting and the socio-economic differences that shaped their divergent paths to prominence.
3.3 Agrippa, his request and his road of life alongside Agustus: Describes key moments in Agrippa’s career, including his military service and his vital support in helping Augustus navigate the transition to the Principate.
3.4 Agrippa and his funeral: Details the mourning process for Agrippa and analyzes a surviving fragment of a funeral oration that highlights his official status as the 'Second Man' in Rome.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the finding that Agrippa was an essential, self-made partner whose absence would have fundamentally altered the course of Augustus's rule and Roman history.
Keywords
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Augustus, Roman Empire, Principate, Augustan Age, friendship, historiography, political history, patronage, Second Man, laudatio funebris, Roman politics, military service, authority, administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this seminar paper?
The paper focuses on the long, intimate fellowship between Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Augustus, exploring how their dependency shaped the Roman Empire.
What are the central thematic areas?
Key themes include historical scholarship on Agrippa, the nature of his friendship with Augustus, his role in the Principate, and his administrative achievements.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objective is to illustrate that neither Agrippa nor Augustus would have achieved their historical fame without the other, highlighting their deep connectedness.
Which research methodology is applied?
The author uses a qualitative, historical analysis, reviewing existing monographs and ancient sources to reconstruct the dynamic between the two figures.
What is discussed in the main part of the work?
The main part covers the historical research landscape, the personal bond between Agrippa and Augustus, the nature of Agrippa's self-understanding, and his specific political and military contributions.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Important keywords include Agrippa, Augustus, Principate, Roman history, patronage, and political partnership.
Why did Agrippa never attempt to challenge Augustus for the lead of the empire?
The paper argues that Agrippa possessed a specific self-understanding defined by service and a lack of envy, viewing his role as the 'Second Man' rather than a direct competitor.
What does the funeral oration fragment reveal about Agrippa's status?
The fragment confirms Agrippa’s formal equality in power (imperium aequum) and his official recognition by the state as the most important assistant to Augustus.
- Quote paper
- Ronny Müller (Author), 2012, Agrippa und Augustus, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/205454
