[1] This title at Ancyra extends over the first three pages of the Latin, that is over so much of the inscription as is on the left wall of the pronaos; the Greek title extends over seventeen of the nineteen pages of the Greek version.
In its present form, the title cannot be the same as that over the original at Rome. All from “as engraved” is certainly an addition, probably made by the Galatian legate who ordered the magistrates of Ancyra to have the inscription placed on the temple of Augustus. The last two words in the Latin (placed first in the English), were probably inserted only by a blunder at Ancyra. “A copy subjoined,” doubtless stood in the legate’s letter, just as we might write “see enclosure.” But what of the remainder of the inscription, “Of the deeds ... Roman people”? It is hardly conceivable that this was the title of the inscription at Rome, because it embraces only two of the three parts into which the subject-matter falls. It covers the achievements and the expenditures of Augustus; in reverse order, however, from that of the document itself; and it omits any allusion to the subject-matter of the first fourteen chapters, which have to do with the offices and honors conferred upon Augustus.
It is impossible to say what was the superscription at Rome. Possibly there was none. The name of Augustus, most likely, was conspicuous somewhere in connection with the front of the mausoleum, and this inscription may very well have been devoid of title.
[2] Augustus was nineteen years old on Sept. 23, 710.
[3] Cicero (Ad Att. XVI, 8, 1,) on Nov. 1, 710, writes: “I have letters from Octavian; great things are doing; he has led over to his views the veterans of Casilinum and Calatia.” Cf. Vell. II, 61. Dio XLVI, 29.
[4] Cf. Cic. (Phil. III, 2, 3), “The young Cæsar, without our (the senate’s) advice or consent, raised an army and poured forth his patrimony.”
[5] Gardthausen, Aug. 1er Th. 2er Bd. p. 524, thinks that this beginning the Res Gestae with the raising of an army, is an admission of the military foundation of the principate.
[6] Such a statement is part of Augustus’ scheme to pose as a restorer of the old order. He makes Brutus, Cassius, Pompey and Antony public enemies.
[7] Cicero says (Phil. V, 17, 46), that on Jan. 1, 711, “the senate voted that Gaius Cæsar, son of Gaius, pontiff, should be a senator, and hold praetorian rank in speaking.” Dio (XLVI, 29), says that on Jan. 2 or 3, “Cæsar was made senator as a quaestor.”
[8] Livy (Ep. CXVIII), “he received the consular ornaments.” App. (B. C. III, 51) adds that he was given consular rank in speaking. Cf. Mommsen, Röm. St., I, pp. 442, 443.