Augusto e le memorie della fondazione di Roma

Myths and legends connected to the origins of ancient cities have often been used as a political element to impose major changes as a necessary part of a long tradition. With this aim, Augustus has devoted special attention to the myth of the foundation of Rome. On the one hand he presented himself as a new Romulus, not discarding the oldest monarchic traditions to impose a whole new power. On the other, he legitimized his power with the revival of the myth and the restoration and renewal of the most representative places. More than this, Augustus decided to live on the Palatine, nearby the place where Romans thought that the foundation rite had been celebrated. He also organized inside his house a sort of museum of the origins and spent most of its efforts to reorganize wide parts of the city related with the origins. Even a new figurative language was created in Augustan age art with the intention of spreading this special relationship with the past in order to support and legitimize the political power of the princeps.