The Emperor's Retrospect

by Ronald T. Ridley

Augustus' Res Gestae , inscribed on two pillars at the entrance to the emperor's tomb, is a unique text that still provokes debate concerning its translation and interpretation. This detailed study looks back over four hundred years of research, focusing in particularly on the rivalry between the English, French and Germans to produce the first definitive edition during the 18th and 19th centuries. Ridley then discusses the editions and interpretations of the last century before turning his attention to the text itself. After an examination of parallel texts, Ridley offers his own translation of the Res Gestae with an extensive commentary. He focuses on difficult and controversial sections and shows that, despite the vehement protestations of past commentators, the text is rife with Augustus' lies.

251 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003