Augustus

“this little trick” Plut Caes 49 2.

“As far as they say” Plut Ant 27 2–3.

“Many rulers of Egypt” Plut Ant 27 3–4.

“enjoyed himself” App 290. Some modern historians discount the historicity of this jaunt, largely on the grounds that Caesar would not be so irresponsible. However, one of the features of his character was an arrogant carelessness. Also, Appian says that he provides more detail (now sadly lost) of this adventure in his Egyptian history, from which it is reasonable to assume that the journey was well attested.

“for a sight of the boy” Nic 4.

“he might bring on illness” Ibid., 6.

attitude toward suicide This section is indebted to van Hoof.

“had hard work to withstand” Caes Gall 61.

“take any cruel action” Dio 43 15 2.

“The Republic is nothing” Suet Caes 77.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Appian and Dio provide the basic historical narrative, Nicolaus, Plutarch, and Suetonius color and anecdote.

On the day of the triumph Some generic details are taken from Plutarch’s description of Aemilius Paullus’ triumph (Plut Aem Pau 32–35).

The most popular attraction This section is indebted to Carcopino, Grant Glad, and Meijer.

“He took care” Nic 8.

“according to my uncle’s instructions” Ibid., 10.

“I have often fought” Plut Caes 56 3.

“He made a point” Nic 11.

“nothing womanly about her” Vell Pat 2742.

It is probable that Octavius When Nicolaus reports that he asked for, and received, permission to go home and see his mother, he does not make it clear where Octavius was at the time of the request. It would make more sense if he was at Labici than en route to Italy (otherwise, why would he have asked leave to go to his journey’s obvious destination?).

“sexual gratification” Nic 15.

“should sail” Celsus 111. It is worth noting that in later life, Octavius lived abstemiously, a habit that may well have been developed in his youth.

V. A BOY WITH A NAME

Nicolaus gives most information about Octavian’s stay at Apollonia and his return to Italy. He, Plutarch, and Suetonius give accounts of the Ides of March.

“great and important city” Cic Phil 11 26.

“You must show yourself” Nic 16.

another letter from Atia The implication when App 39–10 and Nic 16 are compared suggests that Atia wrote with the immediate news and then followed up with a second letter from her and Philippus; but the references could be to the same letter.

knew that the assassination Plut Ant 13 1.

“Why, this is violence!” Suet Caes 82 1.

like a wild animal App 2117.

“already had his eyes” Nic 18.

“followers call him Caesar” Cic Att 366 (14 12).

major eruption R. Stothers, 2002: “Cloudy and Clear Stratospheres Before A.D. 1000 Inferred from Written Sources,” J. Geophysical Research, Vol. 107, No. D23.

“wars that grow in the dark” Virg Geo 464–68.

stars could be seen Pliny 22798.

“everything to his name” Cic Phil 13 11 25.

“Heap as many insults” App 328.

“Could anything be” Cic Att 388 15 10.

“Octavian…does not lack” Ibid., 3901512.

“On the very day” Pliny 22393–94. Octavian wrote his autobiography, now lost, in 25 B.C. The discussion of the games is indebted to J. Ramsey and A. Lewis Licht, The Comet of 44 B.C. and Caesar’s Funeral Games (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1997), pp. 236f.

“Mad with anger” This paragraph and the following, including the quotations, are drawn from App 339.

VI. FROM VICTORY, DEFEAT

Appian’s and Cicero’s speeches against Antony, the Philippics, are the best sources. Dio also covers the subject.

“You will learn” App 343.

“He is very much a boy” Cic Att 420 (16 11).

“a blowout” Cic Phil 3820.

“If your are successful” Macr 23 12.

“The Ides of March was a fine deed” Cic Att 366 (14 12).

“Gaius Caesar is a young man” Cic Phil, 323.

“this heaven-sent youth” Ibid., 51643.

“I promise, I undertake” Ibid., 18 51.

“praised, honoured—and raised up” Cic Fam 401 11 20.

“He reflected on the way” App 364.