 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
and the very real transfer of political stability to this new site, in the 5th century A.D., allowed an
increase in the authority of the Augustas of the period. On January 9, 400, Emperor Arcadius' wife
EUDOXIA was elevated to the rank and ruled until her death by miscarriage in 404. Her daughter, Aelia
Pulcheria, acquired the title in 414, ousted the Praetorian Prefect Anthemius and, though only 15 years old,
served as regent to the emperor, Theodosius II, who was two years younger. She issued coinage, arranged
his marriage to Athenais (Aelia EUDOCIA) and was a central figure at the court and in the
Empire, both in the East and West.
The name was also given to a number of COLONIES and townships that were begun during the reign of
Augustus and hence were dedicated to him.
?
Augusta Praetoria (Aosta) - Founded in 24 B.C. by Emperor Augustus, who donated the land to
several thousand Praetorian Guard veterans. Aosta was previously occupied by the Salassi, of
Gallia Cisalpina, who were vanquished by Varro around 25 B.C. The town subsequently became a
center of communications and extensive Roman building. Extant remains include an arch and the
large city gates.
?
Augusta Raurica (Augst) - Founded in 44 B.C, shortly after the defeat of the Raurici, a Gallic
people, by Munatius. Augusta Raurica became one of the colonial foundations for Roman
communication in southeastern Gaul, Germania and Raetia. In the 2nd century A.D, much of the
city was rebuilt, with a temple, a Capitolium, a basilica and a large forum. In 260, the Alamanni
attacked Augusta Raurica, but the presence of considerable remains gives evidence of economic
prosperity.
?
Augusta Taurinorum - see TURIN.
?
Augusta Treverorum - see TRIER.
?
Augusta Vindelicorum (Augsburg) - Founded in 6 A.D. in the province of Raetia. According to
Tacitus, Vindelicorum was important as an economic and government center for the province,
remaining so until the period of the Late Empire. Very few remains are extant.
¤ AUGUSTANS A unit of soldiers formed by Nero in 59 A.D. and numbering approximately 5,000. The
Augustans were a special corps, with one purpose - to lead the applause at the performances of the
emperor. The Augustans were used at all public events of importance to cheer, applaud and shout their
approval, thus intimidating everyone else present to do the same, regardless of the mediocrity of
performance or display. The Augustans were favorites of Nero, traveling with him to Greece in 66 A.D.
They were recruited mainly from the Equestrian Order, chosen for their youth, physique and willingness to
participate in the debaucheries of the emperor. Reportedly arrogant and haughty, they proposed in 67 to cast
a gold statue of Nero, to weigh a thousand pounds. The rest of the Equestrians were forced to help defray
the cost of the statue. See also CLAQUEURS.
 |