CLASSICS - Imperial Image: Res Gestae Divi Augusti

This KS5 lesson is designed for OCR A Level Classical Civilisation: Imperial Image and focuses on the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, allowing students to examine how Augustus presents his own achievements and constructs his public image.

The lesson begins with a short recap task before students work independently through the prescribed sections of the Res Gestae. As the source is substantial, much of the lesson is deliberately student-led, with students tracking key claims, achievements, values and aspects of Augustus’ self-presentation across the text.

Students then compare Augustus’ own presentation with Ovid’s Metamorphoses. A series of comparative questions encourages them to consider similarities and differences between the two sources before responding to a broader exam-style question using evidence from both.

For homework, students complete a creative ‘dating profile’ for Augustus, using their knowledge of the Res Gestae to decide how Augustus might choose to present himself, his achievements and his ideal qualities to a Roman audience.