Free Marcus Agrippa: Right-hand Man of Caesar Augustus by Lindsay Powell Page A

the tradition of the historians of the Republic – notably, Sallust (C. Sallustius Crispus, 86–35 BCE) and Livy – but presented his material in such a way as to stress how different life had become in Imperial times. He describes Agrippa as ‘of humble birth, a good soldier and his partner in victory’ ( Annales 1.3) and ‘associate in power’ (3.56.3). He records that when Agrippa requested time to rest and recuperate, Augustus granted it (14.53.3, 55.2–3).
    Valerius Maximus, c. 20 BCE–50 CE – Little is known about Valerius Maximus’ personal life. During the reign of Emperor Tiberius he wrote Memorable Deeds and Sayings in Nine Books ( Factorum et Dictorum Memorabilium Libri IX ), which is a collection of about a thousand stories chosen for the moral guidance they offered, each arranged under one of several themes. In the chapter on friendship he gave the example of Agrippa in relation to Augustus (4.7.7).
    Velleius Paterculus (C. or M. Velleius Paterculus), c. 19 BCE–c. 31 CE – Paterculus saw eight years of active service under Tiberius, serving first in Illyricum as a praefectus equitum during the Batonian War of 6–9 CE, and then in Germania as a legatus legionis . He provides a character profile of Agrippa and praises his virtues, especially his work ethic (2.79.1–2), confirms that Agrippa secured a conviction in the prosecution against C. Cassius Longinus (2.69.5), was successful in operating guerilla-style tactics in the run-up to the Battle of Actium (2.84.2), his command at the great battle (2.85.2), the battle itself (2.85.3–4) and compares Agrippa with Maecenas (2.88.2), his departure to Mytilene on account of alleged animosity towards Marcellus (2.93.2), his joining the Fratres Arvales (2.127.1), the popular view that Agrippa would succeed Augustus and his reason for going to the East (2.93.2), his victory over the Cantabri (2.90.1) and the revolt of the Pannonii in Illyricum (2.96.2–3).
    Vergil (P. Vergilius Maro), 70–19 BCE – The Augustan era poet is best known for his poem Aeneid , a national epic which has been interpreted as drawing strong associations between Rome’s legendary founder Aeneas and its saviour and renewer Augustus. He lauded the Portus Iulius ( Georgics 2.161–164), celebrated his corona navalis ( Aeneid 8.683–684), drew the allegory of Agrippa as Achates ( Aeneid 1.174–176, 1.188–192) and sang of his contribution at Actium ( Aeneid 8.675–684).
    2. Coins
    Coins were produced with Agrippa’s name and portrait during his lifetime, both at the official mint in Rome and at provincial city mints across the empire. They tell the story of his career and growing influence across the Roman world. The earliest coins were produced outside Italy in the western provinces of Gallia Narbonensis, Gallia Lugdunenis (Gallia Comata), Hispania Tarraconensis (Hispania Citerior) and Baetica (Hispania Ulterior), and in the East in Achaea and Bithynia et Pontus. After his death several coins were issued to commemorate his life by Augustus and his successors. For a full discussion of the numismatic evidence see Roddaz (1984) and Romeo (1998).
    (a) Imperatorial Mints (before 27 BCE) During the civil war period following the assassination of Iulius Caesar the triumvirs (Antonius, Caesar and Lepidus) produced silver coins ( denarii ) at military mints to pay their troops and to purchase supplies, which moved with the army. The coins declare Agrippa’s election as consul and his support of the divine Caesar’s heir.
Gold aureus struck 39 BCE in Lugdunum * . Obverse: IMP DIVI IVLI F TER IIIVIR RPC, head of Caesar (Octavius) facing right wearing diadem with star in front. Reverse: M AGRIPPA COS DESIG on plain field. (Numismatic references: Crawford 534/1, Sydenham 1329, Cohen 33.)
Silver denarius ( plate 14 ) struck 39 BCE in Lugdunum * . Obverse: DIVVS IVLIVS DIVI F, wreathed head of Iulius Caesar right facing bare head of Caesar (Octavius) left. Reverse: M AGRIPPA COS DESIG on