Literary Patronage

As the 'ultimate' patron of the Roman Empire, Emperors often utilised literary patronage for self promotion. Through oratory and poetry in particular, composed by talented writers, they were able to advertise the might of Rome and the importance of their leader to the world.

Augustus, the first 'Emperor' of Rome, and his close advisors such as Maecenas, realised the important role that literary patronage could play in promoting his rule in association with the might and glory of Rome. The works of both Virgil and Horace reflect this relationship. Later Suetonius, who held three important positions in the Imperial administration, giving him a very good understanding of and access to, libraries, archives and writings of early literary figures, commented on Augustus' vision:

The creative minds of his age he fostered in every way. With patience and generosity, he listened to recitations not only of poems and histories but of orations and dialogues. Yet he objected to the composition of any piece about himself that was not a serious contribution by a major writer, and he instructed the praetors not to let his name be trivialised by competition pieces.

Suetonius Augustus 89.2-3

Literary patronage continued to be very important during the Imperial period. Martial's Liber Spectaculorum, for example, was read at the opening of the Flavian amphitheatre. Poetry competitions held during festivals, such as the Poetarum Certamen held under Domitian, gave aspiring poets the opportunity to propitiate the martial achievements of an Emperor in the hope of attracting Imperial favour. In return, literary figures received financial support and a level of fame granted only to those under Imperial patronage.

The whole population benefitted from the Emperor's literary patronage, as demonstrated by the widespread use of associated imagery on every day objects such as lamps. These two lamps, one with theatre masks and the other with a centaur holding a lyre, highlight the integral role that the performance of literature played in the lives of all Romans. Dramatic performances were also important parts of Roman religious festivals.