Answer ONE of the following questions (At least 250 words but do not exceed 500 words) with the articles I provided in separate files;

1. Compare the “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” to the “Suetonius on Caligula”. How is the power of the emperors portrayed? Are there significant differences from Augustus to Caligula? Why?

2. Compare the “Deeds of Augustus” to the “Letters of Pliny and Trajan”. How do the two emperors seem to administrator power and authority over a vast region? How do you account for any changes between the two administrations? Do either seem to have a strong centralized administration? Why or why not?

Side note on assignment from professor; The “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” was a list of Augustus’ accomplishments, written in an almost bland fashion as if it were a funeral eulogy. It was basically propaganda and shows how Augustus wanted to be remembered — for his accomplishments and good deeds; however, it was written in the perspective of himself.

Show me an emperor who didn't think highly of himself. It came with the position; a chance to be compared to the gods. And we can guess that it went to their heads in most instances.

“Caligula” is not a real name — it’s a nickname given to the boy by his father’s troops when he used to visit them wearing a smaller version of the military, hob-nailed boots called “caligae”. “Caligula” means “little boots”. In almost every case, Caligula is portrayed as a ruthless leader bordering on insanity. He was truly not working from a full deck. Claudius and Augustus were certainly more normal in every respect. Augustus started the Pax Romana, which turned out to be two hundred years of peace and prosperity – an unheard of period in ancient history.