Member-only story

Cinna or the Clemency of Augustus

Herman Mitchell

·13.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Cinna: Or The Clemency Of Augustus

5 min read

250 View Claps

17 Respond

Save

Listen

Cinna: or The Clemency of Augustus

by John R. Pierce

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2094 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	76 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

A Tale of Mercy in Ancient Rome

In the tumultuous annals of ancient Rome, the reign of Emperor Augustus stands out as a period of relative peace and prosperity. Augustus, once known as Octavian, had risen to power after the assassination of his adoptive father, Julius Caesar, and the subsequent civil war. Despite the violence and treachery that had marked his rise, Augustus's rule was characterized by a new emphasis on stability and order.

One of the most famous episodes from Augustus's reign is the story of Cinna the Poet. Cinna, a minor poet, had written a satirical poem attacking Augustus. The emperor, however, instead of punishing Cinna, invited him to dinner. During the meal, Augustus recited some of Cinna's own poetry, praising his talent. Cinna was so moved by Augustus's clemency that he became one of the emperor's most loyal supporters.

The story of Cinna and Augustus has been told and retold for centuries. It is a story that illustrates the power of mercy, and it has also had a significant impact on the literary world. Several works of literature have been inspired by the story, including a play by Pierre Corneille and an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Historical Context

To understand the significance of Augustus's clemency towards Cinna, it is important to understand the historical context. The Roman Republic had been plagued by violence and civil war for decades. Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC had thrown the republic into chaos. In the ensuing power struggle, Octavian emerged as the victor, but his victory was far from secure.

Many of Augustus's enemies were still at large, and there were numerous plots to assassinate him. In this climate of fear and uncertainty, Augustus could easily have used Cinna's satire as an excuse to eliminate another potential threat. However, Augustus chose a different path. He showed mercy to Cinna, and in ng so, he sent a powerful message to his enemies: he was not a tyrant who would persecute his critics.

The Impact on Literature

The story of Cinna and Augustus has had a profound impact on literature. It is a story that has been told and retold for centuries, and it has inspired numerous works of art, including plays, operas, and poems. One of the most famous works inspired by the story is Pierre Corneille's play "Cinna." In Corneille's play, Cinna is a young nobleman who conspires to assassinate Augustus. However, Augustus discovers the plot and confronts Cinna. Instead of punishing Cinna, Augustus offers him mercy. Cinna is so moved by Augustus's clemency that he renounces his plot and becomes one of the emperor's most loyal supporters.

Another famous work inspired by the story of Cinna and Augustus is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "La Clemenza di Tito." In Mozart's opera, Tito is a young emperor who is faced with a conspiracy to assassinate him. However, Tito chooses to show mercy to his enemies, and in ng so, he wins their hearts and minds.

The Legacy of Augustus

Augustus's clemency towards Cinna is one of the defining moments of his reign. It is a story that illustrates the power of mercy, and it has had a significant impact on the literary world. Augustus's legacy as a merciful and just ruler is one that has lasted for centuries, and it is a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

### Image with alt attribute

Cinna And Augustus Cinna: Or The Clemency Of Augustus