Composed by the first Roman emperor, Augustus, finished shortly before his death in 14 C.E., the Res Gestae are a set of first-person descriptions of his achievements. As the introduction states, these were originally meant to be inscribed in bronze outside the senate, but these originals have not survived. The version that has survived comes from sites in modern-day Turkey.
Rerum gestarum divi Augusti, quibus orbem terrarum imperio populi Romani subiecit,
Of the things achieved of the divine Augustus, with which he subjected the sphere of the earths to the power of the people of Rome,
et impensarum quas in rem publicam populumque Romanum fecit,
and of the costs which for the Republic, and the Roman people he made,
incisarum in duabus aheneis pilis, quae sunt Romae positae, exemplar subiectum.
[are] inscribed in two bronze pillars, which are placed in Rome, a model [of rule] supplied.
1
Annos undeviginti natus exercitum privato consilio et privata impensa comparavi,
At nineteen years [after] birth, I bought an army from private [my own] advice, and private funds,
per quem rem publicam a dominatione factionis oppressam in libertatem vindicavi.
Through which I set free into liberty the Republic, oppressed by the domination of a faction.
[Ob quae] senatus decretis honorificis in ordinem suum me adlegit, C. Pansa et A. Hirtio consulibus,
On account of which the senate brought me forward with honours into their class, in the consulship of G[aius] Pansa, and A[ulus] Hirtius,.
consularem locum sententiae dicendae tribuens, et imperium mihi dedit. Res publica ne quid detrimenti caperet,
allowing me to say my opinions in the consular place, and it gave me power. Lest someone of detriment should seize the Republic,
me propraetore simul cum consulibus providere iussit. Populus autem eodem anno me consulem,
It authorised me as propraeter at the same time with the consuls, to care. But the same year, the people me as consul
cum cos. uterque bello cecidisset, et triumvirum rei publicae constituendae creavit.
When both consuls had fallen in battle, made, and triumvir for the organising of the Republic.
2
Qui parentem meum trucidaverunt, eos in exilium expuli iudiciis legitimis ultus eorum facinus,
They who had slaughtered my father, them I expelled in exile by legitimate laws, their deed avenged
et postea bellum inferentis rei publicae vici bis acie.
And afterwards I won twice in battle, inflicting war on the Republic.
3
Bella terra et mari civilia externaque toto in orbe terrarum saepe gessi,
I waged wars often by land and sea, civil and foreign, in the whole sphere of the world,
victorque omnibus veniam petentibus civibus peperci. Externas gentes, quibus tuto ignosci potuit,
and I the victor spared all citizens who came begging. Foreign people, whom it was possible to safely pardon,
conservare quam excidere malui. Millia civium Romanorum sub sacramento meo fuerunt circiter quingenta.
I preferred to preserve rather than exterminate. Around five hundred thousand of the Roman citizens were under oath to me.
Ex quibus deduxi in colonias aut remisi in municipia sua stipendis emeritis millia aliquanto plura quam trecenta,
Of whom more than three hundred thousand I drew out to estates, or I sent back to their towns with their earned pay,
et iis omnibus agros adsignavi aut pecuniam pro praemiis militiae dedi. Naves cepi sescentas praeter eas, si quae minores quam triremes fuerunt.
And I allocated lands to all of them or gave money from the spoils of war. I captured six hundred ships, apart from those, which were smaller than triremes.
4
Bis ovans triumphavi, tris egi curulis triumphos et appellatus sum viciens et semel imperator.
I held applauding triumphs twice, I did three curule triumphs and I was called imperator once and for all twenty times.
Cum autem pluris triumphos mihi senatus decrevisset, iis supersedi. Laurum de fascibus deposui in Capitolio,
But when the senate declared me more triumphs, I refrained from them. I laid laurels on the fasces on the Capitoline hill,
votis quae quoque bello nuncupaveram solutis. Ob res a me aut per legatos meos auspicis meis terra marique prospere gestas
The vows I had sworn before war, fulfilled. On account of the achievements successful by land and sea, by me or by my legates [under] my auspexes
quinquagiens et quinquiens decrevit senatus supplicandum esse dis immortalibus. Dies autem,
The senate determined that the immortal gods should be prayed to fifty-five times. Whereas the days
per quos ex senatus consulto supplicatum est, fuere DCCCLXXXX. In triumphis meis ducti sunt ante currum meum reges aut regum liberi novem.
On which the senate deliberately prayed, were 890. In my triumphs nine kings, or children of kings were led in front of my chariot.
Consul fueram terdeciens, cum scribebam haec, et agebam septimum et tricensimum tribuniciae potestatis.
I have been consul thirteen times, when I was writing these, and I acted in tribunal power thirty-seven times.
5
Dictaturam et apsenti et praesenti mihi delatam et a populo et a senatu,
Dictatorship [while] away as well as present, granted to me by the people and by the senate,
M. Marcello et L. Arruntio consulibus non accepi. Non recusavi in summa frumenti penuria
In the consulship of Marcus Marcellus and Lucius Arruntius I did not accept. I did not reject, at the height of grain-scarcity
curationem annonae, quam ita administravi, ut intra paucos dies metu et periclo praesenti
the office of grain, which I ran in such a way, that in a few days from the present fear and danger
populum universum liberarem impensa et cura mea. Consulatum quoque tum annuum et perpetuum mihi delatum non recepi.
all the people I saved by my expense and care. Consulship was then also offered to me for [that] year and forever, [but] I did not accept.
6
Consulibus M. Vinicio et Q. Lucretio et postea P. Lentulo et Cn. Lentulo et tertium Paullo Fabio
In the consulship of Marcus Vincius, and Quintus Lecretius and then Publius Lentulus and Cnaeus Lentulus, and thirdly Paullus Fabius
Maximo et Q. Tuberone senatu populoque Romano consentientibus ut curator legum et morum
Maximus and Quintus Tubero, with the agreeings of the senate and people of Rome that warden of law and moral
summa potestate solus crearer, nullum magistratum contra morem maiorum delatum recepi.
With the greatest power I alone should be made, no magisterial office given down against the moral[s] of our ancestor did I accept.
Quae tum per me geri senatus voluit, per tribuniciam potestatem perfeci, cuius potestatis conlegam
Those [matters] the senate wanted conducted by me, I did through the tribunician power, of that power a colleague
et ipse ultro quinquiens a senatu depoposci et accepi.
I myself also moreover five times from the senate requested and received.
7
Triumvirum rei publicae constituendae fui per continuos annos decem. Princeps senatus fui
I was triumvir for the organising of the Republic for ten continuous years, I have been Princeps Senatus
usque ad eum diem quo scripseram haec per annos quadraginta. Pontifex maximus, augur, XV
Up to the day on which I had written this for forty years. Pontifex Maximus, Augur, Quindecim-
virum sacris faciundis, VII virum epulonum, frater arvalis, sodalis Titius, fetialis fui.
Virum, Sacrisfaciundis, Septemvir of the Feasters, Brother of cultivated fields, Companion Titius, Fetialis [priest in charge of treaties] have I been.
8
Patriciorum numerum auxi consul quintum iussu populi et senatus. Senatum ter legi, et in
[In my] fifth consulship, by command of the people and senate I expanded the number of patricians. I appointed the senate three times, and in
consulatu sexto censum populi conlega M. Agrippa egi. Lustrum post annum alterum et
[my] sixth consulship a census of the population with [my] colleague Marcus Agrippa I did make. A lustration after the other years
quadragensimum feci, quo lustro civium Romanorum censa sunt capita quadragiens centum millia et sexaginta tria millia.
forty-two [in number] I performed, at which lustration four-million and sixty-three-thousand citizens of Rome were registered.
Tum iterum consulari cum imperio lustrum solus feci C. Censonno et C. Asinio cos., quo lustro
Then again with consular power a lustration I alone made in the consulship of Caius Censonnus and Caius Asinius, at which
censa sunt civium Romanorum capita quadragiens centum millia et ducenta triginta tria millia. Et
four-million two-hundred and thirty-three thousand citizens of Rome were registered. And
tertium consulari cum imperio lustrum conlega Tib. Caesare filio meo feci Sex. Pompeio et Sex. Appuleio cos,
A third time with consular power a lustration with my colleague [and] son Tiberius Caesar in the consulship of Sextus Pompeius and Sextus Appuleius..
quo lustro censa sunt civium Romanorum capitum quadragiens centum millia et nongenta triginta et septem millia.
At which lustration four-million nine-hundred and fifty-seven-thousand citizens of Rome were registered,
Legibus novis me auctore latis multa exempla maiorum exolescentia iam ex nostro saeculo reduxi et
By extensive new laws, with me as their creator, many exemplary [practices] now maturing, from our generation I restored and
ipse multarum rerum exempla imitanda posteris tradidi.
I alone in many ways exemplary [practices] to be imitated by posterity handed down.
9
Vota pro valetudine mea suscipi per consules et sacerdotes quinto quoque anno senatus decrevit.
Devotions for my health were taken up by the consuls and priests every five year, [this] the senate decreed.
Ex iis votis saepe fecerunt vivo me ludos aliquotiens sacerdotum quattuor amplissima collegia,
Often from these devotions, several times, the four greatest colleges of priests have created in my lifetime games
aliquotiens consules. Privatim etiam et municipatim universi cives unanimiter continenter apud
Several times the consuls [have done this]. Even privately and as a municipality all the citizens have unanimously [and] continuously among
omnia pulvinaria pro valetudine mea supplicaverunt.
All the pulvinaria for my health prayed.
10
Nomen meum senatus consulto inclusum est in saliare carmen, et sacrosanctus in perpetum ut
My name was purposefully incorporated into the hymn of the Salii, and that perpetually sacrosanct
essem et, quoad viverem, tribunicia potestas mihi esset, per legem sanctum est. Pontifex maximus
I should be and, while I lived, tribunal power should be mine, it was sanctified in law. Pontifex Maximus
ne fierem in vivi conlegae mei locum, populo id sacerdotium deferente mihi quod pater meus
lest I should be made in place of my colleague still alive, with the people diverting this priesthood to me because my father
habuerat, recusavi. Quod sacerdotium aliquod post annos, eo mortuo qui civilis motus occasione
had held it, I refused [the [position]. Because the priesthood after some years, with that [man] dead, who in an occasion of civil commotion
occupaverat, cuncta ex Italia ad comitia mea confluente multitudine, quanta Romae nunquam fertur
had taken [it], with such a multitude flowing in from Italy to my election, so many at Rome it was recorded never
ante id tempus fuisse, recepi, P. Sulpicio C. Valgio consulibus.
Up to that time to have been, I received [the priesthood], in the consulship of Publius Sulpicius [and] Caius Valgius.
11
Aram Fortunae Reducis ante aedes Honoris et Virtutis ad portam Capenam pro reditu meo
The alter of Fortune Redux before the temples of honour and virtue at the Capena gate for my returning
senatus consacravit, in qua pontifices et virgines Vestales anniversarium sacrificium facere iussit eo
The senate did consecrate, in which it ordered priests and vestal virgins to perform a sacrifice for the anniversary of that
die quo, consulibus Q. Lucretio et M. Vinicio, in urbem ex Syria redieram, et diem Augustalia ex
day on which, in the consulship of Q[uintus] Lucretius and M[arcus] Vinicius, I had returned to the city from Syria, and the day Augustalia from
cognomine nostro appellavit.
Our cognomen it [the senate] did name.
12
Ex senatus auctoritate pars praetorum et tribunorum plebi cum consule Q. Lucretio et
From the will of the senate, a part of the praetors and of the tribunes of the plebs, with the consul Q[uintus] Lucretius and
principibus viris obviam mihi missa est in Campaniam, qui honos ad hoc tempus nemimi praeter me
the leading men was sent to meet me in Campania, an honour which up to this time no one but me
est decretus. Cum ex Hispania Galliaque, rebus in iis provincis prospere gestis, Romam redi, Ti.
Has been decreed. When from Hispania and Gaul, matters arranged successfully in these provinces, to Rome I returned, in Ti[berius]
Nerone P. Qintilio consulibus, aram Pacis Augustae senatus pro reditu meo consacrandam censuit
Nero and P]ublius] Quintilius’ consulship, the senate decreed that an altar of the Augustan peace should be consecrated for my return
ad campum Martium, in qua magistratus et sacerdotes virginesque Vestales anniversarium
by the Campus Martius, in which it [the senate] the magistrates and priests, and vestal virgins an annual
sacrificium facere iussit.
Sacrifice to perform ordered.
13
Ianum Quinnum, quem claussum esse maiores nostri voluerunt cum per totum imperium
The gate of [Janus] Quinnus, which to be closed our ancestors wanted, when throughout the whole empire
populi Romani terra marique esset parta victoriis pax, cum priusquam nascerer, a condita urbe bis
Of the people of Rome, by land and sea there was born from victory peace, when before I was born, from the foundation of the city twice
omnino clausum fuisse prodatur memoriae, ter me principe senatus claudendum esse censuit.
Only had it been shut [so] records memory, three times under my leadership the senate it to be closed ordered.
14
Filios meos, quos iuvenes mihi eripuit fortuna, Gaium et Lucium Caesares honoris mei caussa
My sons, who fortune delivered to me in their youth, Gaius and Lucius Caesar for the sake of my honour
senatus populusque Romanus annum quintum et decimum agentis consules designavit, ut eum
The senate and people of Rome [before their] fifth and tenth [fifteenth] year as consuls chose, that they
magistratum inirent post quinquennium, et ex eo die quo deducti sunt in forum ut interessent
might enter the magistracy after a period of five years, and from that day on which they were led into the forum that they might be among
consiliis publicis decrevit senatus. Equites autem Romani universi principem iuventutis utrumque
public matters, [so] decreed the senate. Moreover, all the Equites Romani {hailed} [them] as princeps iuventutis and whichever
eorum parmis et hastis argenteis donatum appellaverunt.
Of them silver shields and spears [were] given. {hailed}
15
Plebei Romanae viritim HS trecenos numeravi ex testamento patris mei et nomine meo
To the Roman plebians man by man I paid three-hundred sesterces from the will of my father, and from my name,
HS quadringenos ex bellorum manibiis consul quintum dedi, iterum autem in consulatu decimo ex
four-hundred sesterces from the labours of war in [my] fifth consulship I gave, [and] also again in [my] tenth from
patrimonio meo HS quadringenos congiari viritim pernumeravi, et consul undecimum duodecim
my patrimony four-hundred sesterces as a gift I counted out to each man, and in my eleventh [and] twelfth [respectively]
frumentationes frumento privatim coempto emensus sum, et tribunicia potestate duodecimum
distributions of grain I had privately purchased I imparted, and in [my] twelfth [year of] tribunicial power
quadringenos nummos tertium viritim dedi. Quae mea congiaria pervenerunt ad hominum
four-hundred coins for the third time I gave to each man. These gifts of mine to the people reached persons
millia numquam minus quinquaginta et ducenta. Tribuniciae potestatis duodevicensimum, consul XII,
[numbering] never less than two-hundred and fifty-thousand. In [my] eighteenth [year] of tribunicial power, [and] 12th consulship
trecentis et viginti millibus plebis urbanae sexagenos denarios viritim dedi. Et colonis militum
to three-hundred and twenty thousand of the urban plebs two-hundred and forty denarii I gave to each man. And to the military colonists
meorum consul quintum ex manibiis viritim millia nummum singula dedi; acceperunt id triumphale
of mine, in my fifth consulship I gave one-thousand coins from the labours [of war] each; they received at the triumph this
congiarium in colonis hominum circiter centum et viginti millia. Consul tertium decimum
gift, the colonists, around one-hundred and twenty thousand of the men. In [my] thirteenth consulship
sexagenos denarios plebei quae tum frumentum publicum accipiebat dedi; ea millia hominum paullo plura quam ducenta fuerunt.
sixty denarii to the plebs, who public grain were receiving I gave; they were a little more than two-hundred-thousand people.
16
Pecuniam pro agris quos in consulatu meo quarto et postea consulibus M. Crasso et Cn.
Money for the lands which in my fourth consulship and then in the consulship of M[arcus] Crassus and Cn[aeus]
Lentulo Augure adsignavi militibus solvi municipis; ea summa sestertium circiter sexsiens milliens
Lentulus Augur I [had] allocated to soldiers I paid to the towns; that sum around six-hundred-million sesterces
fuit quam pro Italicis praedis numeravi, et circiter bis milliens et sescentiens quod pro agris
was, which for Italian plunder I paid, and around two-hundred and sixty-million which for lands
provincialibus solvi. Id primus et solus omnium qui deduxerunt colonias militum in Italia aut in
provincial I paid up. [To do] This the first and only of all who had led military colonies in Italy or in
provincis ad memoriam aetatis meae feci. Et postea, Ti. Nerone et Cn. Pisone consulibus itemque C.
The provinces, in the memory of my contemporaries was I. And afterwards, in the consulship of Ti[berius] Nero and Cn[aeus] Piso, and again of C[aius]
Antistio et D. Laelio cos. et C. Calvisio et L. Pasieno consulibus et L. Lentulo et M. Messalla consulibus
Antistius and D[ecimus] Laelius and in the consulship of C[aius] Calvisius and L[ucius] Pasienus and in the consulship of L[ucius] Lentulus and M[arcus] Messalla
et L. Camnio et Q. Fabricio cos., militibus quos emeriteis stipendis in sua municipia deduxi praemia
And in the consulship of L[ucius] Camnius and Q[uintus] Fabricius, to soldiers who I settled in their towns, having earned [their] stipends, with a reward
numerato persolvi, quam in rem sestertium quater milliens circiter impendi.
Counted I paid, on which thing I around four-hundred-million cesterces spent.
17
Quater pecunia mea iuvi aerarium, ita ut sestertium milliens et quingentiens ad eos qui praerant
Four times with my money I aided the state treasury, such that one-hundred and fifty-million sesterces upon those who administered
aerario detulerim. Et M. Lepido et L. Arruntio cos. in aerarium militare, quod ex consilio meo
the treasury I bestowed. And in the consulship of M[arcus] Lepidus and L[ucius] Arruntius to the military treasury, which on my advice
constitutum est ex quo praemia darentur militibus qui vicena aut plura stipendia emeruissent,
was founded, [and] out of which rewards were given to soldiers who [had served] twenty or more [years], having earned stipends,
HS milliens et septingentiens ex patrimonio meo detuli.
One hundred and seventy million sesterces from my inheritance I bestowed.
18
Ab eo anno quo Cn. et P. Lentulli consules fuerunt, cum deficerent vectigalia, tum centum
From that year, in which Cn[aius] and P[ublius] Lentuli were consuls, when taxes did not suffice, then to a hundred-
milibus hominum tum pluribus multo frumentarios et nummarios tributus ex horreo et patrimonio meo edidi.
Thousand people, then [sometimes] many more, bestow[ments] of grain and money from my [own] granary and inheritance I gave out.
19
Curiam et continens ei Chalcidicum templumque Apollinis in Palatio cum porticibus, aedem
The senate and neighbouring it, the Chalcidium, and the temple of Apollo on the Palatine, with porticoes, the shrine
divi Iuli, Lupercal, porticum ad circum Flaminium, quam sum appellari passus ex nomine eius qui
of the divine Julius, the Lupercal, the portico of the Flaminian circus, which I permitted to be named after the name of him who
priorem eodem in solo fecerat, Octaviam, pulvinar ad circum maximum, aedes in Capitolio Iovis
had previously built in the same place, Octavius, a couch at the Circus Maximus, the temples on the Capitol of Jupiter
Feretri Iovis Tonantis, aedem Quirini, aedes Minervae et Iunonis Reginae et Iovis Libertatis in
Feretrius [funeral] [and] Jupiter the Thundering, the temple of Quirinus, the temples of Minerva, and Queen Juno, and Jupiter of Liberty on
Aventino, aedem Larum in summa sacra via, aedem deum Penatium in Velia, aedem Iuventatis,
The Aventine, the temple of the Lares at the top of the sacred way, the temple of Di Penates in Velia, the temple of Youth,
aedem Matris Magnae in Palatio feci.
The temple of the Great Mother on the Palatine, [all these things] I built.
20
Capitolium et Pompeium theatrum utrumque opus impensa grandi refeci sine ulla inscriptione
The Capitoline and Pompey’s Theatre, and both works at great expense, I refurbished without any inscription
nominis mei. Rivos aquarum compluribus locis vetustate labentes refeci, et aquam quae Marcia
Of my name. The streams of water [aqueducts] in many places, slipping [into ruin] from old age I restored, and water from [the aqueduct] which Marcia
appellatur duplicavi fonte novo in rivum eius inmisso. Forum Iulium et basilicam quae fuit inter
is called I doubled by the insertion of a new spring into its stream. The Forum of Julius and the basilica which was between
aedem Castoris et aedem Saturni, coepta profligataque opera a patre meo, perfeci et eandem
the temple of Castor and the temple of Saturn, a work begun and abandoned by my father, I finished, and [when] the same
basilicam consumptam incendio, ampliato eius solo, sub titulo nominis filiorum meorum incohavi,
Basilica [was] destroyed by a fire, to rebuild it alone, under an inscription of the names of my sons I began,
et, si vivus non perfecissem, perfici ab heredibus meis iussi. Duo et octoginta templa deum in urbe
and, if my life does not last, it to be finished by my heirs I ordered. Eighty-two temples of the gods in the city
consul sextum ex auctoritate senatus refeci nullo praetermisso quod eo tempore refici debebat.
In [my] sixth consulship out of the authority of the senate I refurbished with none neglected, that at that time needed refurbishing.
Consul septimum viam Flaminiam ab urbe Ariminum refeci pontesque omnes praeter Mulvium et Minucium.
In my seventh consulship, the Flaminian Way from the city Ariminium I refurbished, and all the bridges except the Mulvium and the Minucium.
21
In privato solo Martis Ultoris templum forumque Augustum ex manibiis feci. Theatrum ad
On private land the temple of Mars the Avenger and the Augustan Forum from spoils I built. A theatre by
aedem Apollinis in solo magna ex parte a privatis empto feci, quod sub nomine M. Marcelli generi mei
the temple of Apollo on land for the most part bought from private [owners] I built, which under the name of M[arcus] Marcellus, of my line
esset. Dona ex manibiis in Capitolio et in aede divi Iuli et in aede Apollinis et in aede Vestae et in
was to be. Gifts from spoils in the Capitolone, and in the temple of the Divine Julius, and in the temple of Apollo, and in the Vestal Temple, and in
templo Martis Ultoris consacravi, quae mihi constiterunt HS circiter milliens. Auri coronari pondo
the temple of Mars the Avenger I dedicated, which cost me around a thousand sesterti. Of “Gold for the Crown” in weight
triginta et quinque millia municipiis et colonis Italiae conferentibus ad triumphos meos quintum
thirty-five-thousand gathered by the cities and colonies of Italy for my triumphs, in my fifth
consul remisi, et postea, quotienscumque imperator appellatus sum, aurum coronarium non accepi
Consulship, I sent back, and afterwards, whenever I was called Imperator, I did not accept the “Gold for the Crown”
decernentibus municipiis et colonis aeque benigne adque antea decreverant.
Decided on by the cities and colonies just as kindly as they had decided before.
22
Ter munus gladiatorium dedi meo nomine et quinquiens filiorum meorum aut nepotum nomine,
Three times a spectacle of gladiators I gave in my name, and five times in the name of my sons and grandsons,
quibus muneribus depugnaverunt hominum circiter decem millia. Bis athletarum undique accitorum
in which games around ten-thousand men fought. Twice {a spectacle} of athletes from all directions
spectaculum populo praebui meo nomine et tertium nepotis mei nomine. Ludos feci meo nomine
{spectacle} to the people I provided in my name, and a third time in the name of my grandsons. I organised games in my name
quater, aliorum autem magistratuum vicem ter et viciens. Pro conlegio XV virorum magister
four times, and also in the place of other magistrates three times. For the College of 15-Men, as its head
conlegii collega M. Agrippa ludos saeclares C. Furnio C. Silano cos. feci. Consul XIII ludos
with M[arcus] Agrippa as colleague of the college, the secular games in the consulship of C[aius] Furnius and C[aius] Silanus, I organised. In [my] 13th consulship, the Games
Martiales primus feci quos post id tempus deinceps insequentibus annis s.c. et lege fecerunt
of Mars I organised for the first time, which after that time thereafter in following years by decree of the senate and statute have been made
consules. Venationes bestiarum Africanarum meo nomine aut filiorum meorum et nepotum in circo
by the consuls. Hunts of African beasts in my name or my sons’ and grandsons’ in the circus
aut in foro aut in amphitheatris populo dedi sexiens et viciens, quibus confecta sunt bestiarum circiter tria millia et quingentae.
Or in the forum or in the amphitheatre to the people I gave twenty-six times, in which around three-thousand five-hundred beasts were killed.
23
Navalis proeli spectaclum populo dedi trans Tiberim in quo loco nunc nemus est Caesarum,
A spectacle of naval battle I gave to the people across the Tiber in which place the grove of the Caesars now is,
cavato solo in longitudinem mille et octingentos pedes, in latitudinem mille et ducenti, in quo
in a place excavated, one-thousand eight-hundred feet in length, one-thousand two-hundred in width, in which
triginta rostratae naves triremes aut biremes, plures autem minores inter se conflixerunt; quibus in
thirty beaked ships – triremes or biremes, many other smaller ones among them, fought; in which
classibus pugnaverunt praeter remiges millia hominum tria circiter.
Fleets fought, aside from the rowers, around three-thousand men.
24
In templis omnium civitatium provinciae Asiae victor ornamenta reposui quae spoliatis templis is
In the temples of all the cities of the province Asia as victor, the regalia I restored, which in those temples despoiled
cum quo bellum gesseram privatim possederat. Statuae meae pedestres et equestres et in quadrigeis
by he whom I had since waged war on had seized. My statues, on foot, and on horse, and in a chariot
argenteae steterunt in urbe XXC circiter, quas ipse sustuli, exque ea pecunia dona aurea in aede
of silver stood around the city [numbering] 80, which I myself removed, and with the money from them golden offerings in the temple
Apollinis meo nomine et illorum qui mihi statuarum honorem habuerunt posui.
Of Apollo in my name, and [in the name] of those who had had statues in my honour, I placed.
25
Mare pacavi a praedonibus. Eo bello servorum qui fugerant a dominis suis et arma contra rem publicam
I pacified the sea from pirates. In that war, of slaves who had fled from their masters and arms against the Republic
ceperant triginta fere millia capta dominis ad supplicium sumendum tradidi. Iuravit in mea verba
had taken up, roughly thirty-thousand captured, to [their] masters for punishment to be taken I handed over. With me swore an oath
tota Italia sponte sua, et me belli quo vici ad Actium ducem depoposcit; iuraverunt in eadem verba
of their own the whole of Italy freely, and me in the war which I won at Actium as leader demanded; the same oath swore
provinciae Galliae, Hispaniae, Africa, Sicilia, Sardinia. Qui sub signis meis tum militaverint fuerunt
the provinces of Gaul, Hispania, Africa, Sicily, Sardinia. Those who under my standards then served were
senatores plures quam DCC, in iis qui vel antea vel postea consules facti sunt ad eum diem quo
more than 700 senators, of whom previously or afterwards consuls {were} made, up to the day on which
scripta sunt haec LXXXIII, sacerdotes circiter CLXX.
These [words] were written, 83 [of them], [and] priests around 170.
26
Omnium provinciarum populi Romani quibus finitimae fuerunt gentes quae non parerent
Of all the provinces of the Roman people, on whose borders were peoples who were not obedient to
imperio nostro fines auxi. Gallias et Hispanias provincias, item Germaniam, qua includit Oceanus a
Our power, the borders I expanded. The provinces [of] Gaul and Hispania, like Germania, which included from the ocean
Gadibus ad ostium Albis fluminis pacavi. Alpes a regione ea quae proxima est Hadriano mari ad
[of] Cadiz to the mouth of the river Elbe, I pacified. [In] The Alps from that region which is close to the Adriatic to
Tuscum pacificavi nulli genti bello per iniuriam inlato. Classis mea per Oceanum ab ostio Rheni ad
the Tuscan sea I arranged peace with war brought through injustice to no people. My fleet through the ocean from the mouth of the Rhine to
solis orientis regionem usque ad fines Cimbrorum navigavit, quo neque terra neque mari quisquam
to Eastern lands sailed, a region, all the way to the borders of the Cimbri, which neither by land nor by sea had any
Romanus ante id tempus adit. Cimbrique et Charydes et Semnones et eiusdem tractus alii
Roman before that time gone to. And the Cimbri and Charydes and Semnones and others of the same tract of land
Germanorum populi per legatos amicitiam meam et populi Romani petierunt. Meo iussu et auspicio
of Germanic people, through envoys my friendship and [that] of the Roman people sought. On my orders and auspices
ducti sunt duo exercitus eodem fere tempore in Aethiopiam et in Arabiam quae appellatur
two armies were led at about the same time into Ethiopia and into Arabia which is called
Eudaemon, magnaeque hostium gentis utriusque copiae caesae sunt in acie et complura oppida
Eudaemon [fertile], and of each of [these] great enemy people [their] armies were cut down in battle and many towns
capta. In Aethiopiam usque ad oppidum Nabata perventum est, cui proxima est Meroe; in Arabiam
[were] captured. In Ethiopia [the land] was penetrated up to the town Nabata, which is close to Meroe; in Arabia
usque in fines Sabaeorum processit exercitus ad oppidum Mariba.
The army advanced up to the borders of the Sabaeans, to the town Mariba.
27
Aegyptum imperio populi Romani adieci. Armeniam maiorem interfecto rege eius Artaxe cum
Egypt to the empire of the Roman people I added. Greater Armenia, with its king Artaxes dead
possem facere provinciam malui maiorum nostrorum exemplo regnum id Tigrani regis Artavasdis
I could have made a province, [but] I chose by example of our ancestors that kingdom to Tigranus, king Artavasdes’
filio, nepoti autem Tigranis regis, per Ti. Neronem tradere, qui tum mihi privignus erat. Et eandem
son, also grandson of king Tigranes, through Ti[berius] Nero to give, who was then my stepson. And the same
gentem postea desciscentem et rebellantem domitam per Gaium filium meum regi Ariobarzani regis
people afterwards revolted and rebelled, [they were] subdued by my son Gaius, [and] to king Ariobarzanes’ {rule}, king
Medorum Artabazi filio regendam tradidi, et post eius mortem filio eius Artavasdi; quo interfecto
of the Medes Artabazus’ son, {rule} I handed [them] over, and after his death to his son Artavasdes; who [when] killed
Tigranem qui erat ex regio genere Armeniorum oriundus in id regnum misi. Provincias omnis quae
Tigranes, who was descended from the royal line of the Armenians, to rule there I sent. All the provinces which
trans Hadrianum mare vergunt ad orientem Cyrenasque, iam ex parte magna regibus ea
lie across the Adriatic sea to the east, and Cyrene, now the greater part of them by kings
possidentibus, et antea Siciliam et Sardiniam occupatas bello servili reciperavi.
Held, and previously Sicily and Sardinia, having been occupied in the slave war, I recovered.
28
Colonias in Africa, Sicilia, Macedonia, utraque Hispania, Achaia, Asia, Syria, Gallia
Colonies {of soldiers} in Africa, Sicily, Macedonia, both in Hispania, Achaia, Asia, Syria, Gallia
Narbonensi, Pisidia militum deduxi. Italia autem XXVIII colonias quae vivo me celeberrimae et
Narbonensis, Pisidia, {of soldiers} I founded, Italy also 28 colonies, which in my life very populous and
frequentissimae fuerunt mea auctoritate deductas habet.
Frequent were, founded by my authority, has.
29
Signa militaria complura per alios duces amissa devictis hostibus recepi ex Hispania et Gallia
Many military standards lost by other commanders, from defeated enemies I recovered – from Hispania, Gallia,
et a Dalmateis. Parthos trium exercitum Romanorum spolia et signa reddere mihi supplicesque
and from the Dalmatians. The Parthians the spoils and standards of three Roman armies to return to me, and begging,
amicitiam populi Romani petere coegi. Ea autem signa in penetrali quod est in templo Martis Ultoris reposui.
Friendship from the Roman people to seek, I compelled. Those other standards in the innermost [place] which there is in the temple of Mars the Avenger, I put back.
30
Pannoniorum gentes, quas ante me principem populi Romani exercitus nunquam adit, devictas
The people of the Pannonians, who before my leadership the army of the Roman people [had] never gone to, [were] conquered
per Ti. Neronem, qui tum erat privignus et legatus meus, imperio populi Romani subieci, protulique
by Tiberius Nero, who then was my stepson and commander, I subjected [them] to the power of the Roman people, and I extended
fines Illyrici ad ripam fluminis Danui. Citra quod Dacorum transgressus exercitus meis auspicis
the borders of Illyricum to the bank of the Danube river. Until an army of Dacians crossed onto this side, [under] my auspices
victus profilgatusque est, et postea trans Danuvium ductus exercitus meus Dacorum gentes imperia populi Romani perferre coegit.
It was defeated and overcome, and afterwards, my army [was] led across the Danube, [and] the people of the Dacians to submit to the power of the people of Rome I compelled.
31
Ad me ex India regum legationes saepe missae sunt non visae ante id tempus apud quemquam
To me from India the leaders of the kingdom were often sent, not seen until that time among any
Romanorum ducem. Nostram amicitiam appetiverunt per legatos Bastarnae Scythaeque et
Leader of the Romans. Our friendship strove for through embassies the {kings} of the Basternae, and the Scythians and
Sarmatarum qui sunt citra flumen Tanaim et ultra reges, Albanorumque rex et Hiberorum et Medorum.
And the Sarmations who are on [both] this side of the river Don, and the king od the Albanians and of the Iberians and of the Medes
32
Ad me supplices confugerunt reges Parthorum Tiridates et postea Phrates regis Phratis filius,
To me as supplicants fled the kings Tiridates of the Parthians, and afterwards Phrates, son of king Phrates,
Medorum Artavasdes, Adiabenorum Artaxares, Britannorum Dumnobellaunus et Tincommius,
Artavasdes of the Medes, Artaxerxes of the Adiabeni, Dumnobellaunus and Tincommius of the Britons,
Sugambrorum Maelo, Marcomanorum Sueborum . . . rus. Ad me rex Parthorum Phrates Orodis
Maelo of the Sugambri, ...rus of the Marcomanni and the Suebi. To me the king of the Parthians Phrates {son} of Orodis
filius filios suos nepotesque omnes misit in Italiam non bello superatus, sed amicitiam nostram per
{son} all his sons and grandsons sent in Italy, not having been overpowered in war, but our friendship through
liberorum suorum pignora petens. Plurimaeque aliae gentes expertae sunt p. R. fidem me principe
the pledge of his children seeking. And many other peoples have experiences the trust of the R[oman] P[eople] [under] my leadership
quibus antea cum populo Romano nullum extiterat legationum et amicitiae commercium.
With whom before there had been no exchange of ambassadors and friendship with the Roman People.
33
A me gentes Parthorum et Medorum per legatos principes earum gentium reges petitos
To me peoples of the Parthians and Medes through ambassadors [who were] the foremost among their people sought kings [from me]
acceperunt: Parthi Vononem, regis Phratis filium, regis Orodis nepotem, Medi Ariobarzanem, regis
[and] they received: for the Parthians Vononeem, son of king Phratis, grandson of king Orodis, the Medes Ariobarzanem, {son} of king
Artavazdis filium, regis Ariobarzanis nepotem.
Artavazdis {son}, grandson of king Ariobarzanis.
34
In consulatu sexto et septimo, postquam bella civilia exstinxeram, per consensum universorum
In [my] sixth and seventh consulship, after I had extinguished the civil wars, [and] through universal agreement
potitus rerum omnium, rem publicam ex mea potestate in senatus populique Romani arbitrium
[had] power over all things, the Republic from my control to the authority of the senate and people of Rome
transtuli. Quo pro merito meo senatus consulto Augustus appellatus sum et laureis postes aedium mearum
I gave over. For which reason by decree of the senate, I was called Augustus, and the posts of my house with laurels
vestiti publice coronaque civica super ianuam meam fixa est et clupeus aureus in curia Iulia positus,
were publicly dressed, and a civic crown above my door was fixed, and a golden shield fixed in the Curia Julia
quem mihi senatum populumque Romanum dare virtutis clementiaeque et iustitiae et pietatis caussa
which that the senate and people of Rome to me gave on account of courage and mercy and justice and piety
testatum est per eius clupei inscriptionem. Post id tempus auctoritate omnibus praestiti, potestatis
is attested by the inscription of that shield. After this time, in auctoritas I excelled all [others], in [official] power
autem nihilo amplius habui quam ceteri qui mihi quoque in magistratu conlegae fuerunt.
Though, I had no more than the rest who were also my colleagues in the magistracy.
35
Tertium decimum consulatum cum gerebam, senatus et equester ordo populusque Romanus universus
When I was bearing [my] thirteenth consulship, the Senate and the Equestrian order and the whole Roman people
appellavit me patrem patriae, idque in vestibulo aedium mearum inscribendum et in curi Iulia et in
called me father of the fatherland, and this in the entrance of my houses to be inscribed and in Julian court and in
foro Aug. sub quadrigis quae mihi ex s.c. positae sunt censuit. Cum scripsi haec annum agebam septuagensumum sextum.
The Augustan Forum under four-horse chariots which had been placed their for me by senatorial decree, they decreed. When I wrote this, I have reached seventy-six years.
Appendix:
1
Summa pecuniae quam dedit vel in aerarium vel Plebei Romanae vel dimissis militibus: denarium sexiens milliens.
The sum of the money which he gave either to the state treasury or to the Plebs of Rome, or to dismissed soldiers: six-hundred-million denarii.
2
Opera fecit nova aedem Martis, Iovis Tonantis et Feretri, Apollinis, divi Iuli, Quirini, Minervae,
He carried out new works on the temples of Mars, Jupiter the Thunderer and Feretrius [funeral], Apollo, the divine Julius, Quirinus, Minerva,
Queen Juno, Jupiter the Liberator, the Lares, the Penates gods, youth, the Great Mother, Lupercal,
pulvinar ad circum, curiam cum Chalcidico, forum Augustum, basilicam Iuliam, theatrum Marcelli, porticum Octaviam, nemus trans Tiberim Caesarum.
The shrine at the circus, the senate-house with the Chaldicium, the Augustan Forum, the Julian Basilica, the theatre of Marcellus, the Octavian portico, [and] the grove of the Caesars across the Tiber.
3
Refecit Capitolium sacrasque aedes numero octoginta duas, theatrum Pompei, aquarum rivos, viam Flaminiam.
He refurbished the Capitoline Hill, and sacred altars numbering eighty-two, [as well as] the theatre of Pompey, the aquaducts, and the Flaminian way.
4
Impensa praestita in spectacula scaenica et munera gladiatorum atque athletas et venationes et
The expense bestowed on theatrical shows, and shows of gladiators, as well as athletes, and hunts and
naumachiam et donata pecunia colonis, municipiis, oppidis terrae motu incendioque consumptis aut
the sea battle, and monetary gift to the colonies, government offices, towns destroyed by movement of the earth and by fire, or
viritim amicis senatoribusque quorum census explevit innumerabilis.
Or to individual friends and senators the wealth of whom he supplied, [was] uncountable.