The final years of the Triumvirate: power dinamics and the role of Octavian’s architecture in political messaging

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to offer an interpretation of the relationship between architectural monuments and the political atmosphere during the years of the Second Triumvirate and the moments immediately following. It will also offer a synthesis of the different theories on the significance of Octavian’s architecture in this period. During the years 32-27 BCE, Octavian’s constitutional position was outside the law, but this situation was legitimised by the oath of allegiance proclaimed in 32 BCE. This political instability characterised a period dominated by the ongoing struggle against Mark Antony. The position of supreme power, constitutional uncertainty and civil war can be perceived by analysing the monuments of this period, including the Mausoleum and the Temple of Apollo Palatine.