Valerius Maximus on Exceptional Honours—and the Augustan Principate (V. Max. 8.15)

Abstract

Abstract In chapter 8.15 of his Facta et dicta memorabilia , the Tiberian author Valerius Maximus offers his readers a series of historical exempla which depict the grant of extraordinary honours to deserving individuals. Surprisingly, however, Valerius explains that he has no intention of engaging with any of the honours granted to the imperial family. While, so far, Valerius’ claim has not been called into question by modern scholars, this paper seeks to draw attention to the fact that the exemplary material collected by him shows clear parallels to a number of very specific honours granted to Octavian/Augustus. Although it is true that Valerius does not include the members of the domus Augusta among his exemplars in 8.15, the extraordinary honours he chooses to discuss are to be seen as clear precedents of honours granted to Octavian/Augustus and thus also serve to vindicate the creation of the Principate.