IN THE DAYS of Augustus, a state myth is born in Rome that defines the entire world of images of that era. This myth not only seals the works of art but also all forms of social phenomena that are condensed into images: religious rituals, state events, friendly interactions.

Judging from the modern era, we might assume that a propaganda mechanism was at work. However, what actually happened is revealed to us by this delightful book, which illuminates in unprecedented depth the society and mentality of the time of Augustus.

The outstanding contribution it makes to historical research is summed up in the words of historian G. Alfoldy: "Chanker’s book, although dedicated solely to the ‘images’, thus setting a limited goal, proves in reality to be perhaps the most impressive effort of our generation to illuminate the Augustan state ideology and, through it, on the one hand, the character of the Augustan state order and, on the other hand, the political achievements of Augustus."

This result is owed to the comprehensive view of a category of testimonies, namely the Augustan works of art, which, although particularly rich in information, had not been systematically evaluated until now, while here they are fruitfully examined alongside other sources and primarily based on a clear historical understanding.