CLASSICS - Imperial Image: Ovid, Metamorphoses 15 – Caesar’s Deification & Augustus

This KS5 lesson is designed for OCR A Level Classical Civilisation: Imperial Image and introduces students to the prescribed section of Ovid’s Metamorphoses Book 15, focusing on the deification of Julius Caesar and the presentation of Augustus.

The lesson begins with contextual information on Ovid and the assassination of Julius Caesar, before revisiting the previously studied coin depicting Octavian and Caesar to reinforce the political importance of their relationship. Students then independently research the title Divi Filius (‘Son of a God’) before teacher-led contextual material develops its significance for Augustus’ public image and political authority.

After a short introduction to the Metamorphoses and its wider narrative, students move into independent analysis of the prescribed passage. After approximately twenty minutes, students can share their findings before using a slide of example analysis to refine and extend their own annotations.

The lesson concludes with the interpretative question: ‘Is this mythology, propaganda, or both?’ This encourages students to consider Ovid’s presentation of Caesar’s deification critically and question how far the passage contributes to the construction of Augustus’ imperial image.