Summary: Augustus, the ruler of the Roman Empire specifically details his accomplishments in ‘The Deeds of the Divine Augustus”. The conquests and triumphs are described in a humbly powerful way where the gruesome details are left out of the record. Morley begins describing the devastation that came of these conquests where ‘”populations were reduced through death and slavery” and cities “plunged into debt” all for the profit of the Empire (293). Inequality was rampant in taxes, money, and goods across the whole Roman society. Comparing this statement to Augustus’ claim that “universal consent” from the land acquired was given when expansion occurred; this notion of domination is exaggerated. This exaggerated domination was seen in the socioeconomic influence as the Romans exploit the goods of others for “self-interest and self-indulgence” within the state (306). Rome began urbanizing the state to further reinforce the domination in the social realm. As this urbanization developed, the elites and those cities along trade routes began to flourish creating city development to be the main expenditure focus (307). Morley describes this development as “Romanising” the cultural practices through this society economic development. As a result, consumption habits were altered. Citizens in Gaul for example created a sufficient demand for products that it supported inter-regional trade. This is seen in elites acculturating the Roman image through investments in refined goods that are not afforded by the poor thus “creating a demand for goods that could not be satisfied locally” (307).
Analysis: When examining this text alongside Augustus’ deeds, a stark difference is seen in how they approach the property acquired by the Roman Empire. Augustus’ perspective lies in the hands of the elite where he makes bold statements of the wealth he/the Empire have and contrasts that with charity work to either the conquered city or the plebs – the poor of the Roman Empire. Reality is quite different with the inequality and injustices to those not considered the elite. Augustus capitalizes on these economic growths and paints them as bringing prosperity to the whole Empire. This is false as many are suffering from the gluttony that is deeply rooted in the leadership of the society.