The difficult trial of Gallus, the faults of Octavian and the distorsions of his propaganda.

What is it about?

The difficulties and the contradictions among the sources on the trial of Cornelius Gallus, and the reactions of his contemporaries to his death in the difficult political climate in 27 / 26 b. C. draw a complex situation: Octavian, after having abandoned Gallus to a compromise with the Senate, had to face criticism and resentment of his friends and of the poets. For these reasons his propaganda tried to distort the facts and minimize his faults.

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Why is it important?

The importance of this paper is in the new perspective it offers about Octavian, his conduct towards his friends and supporters; it is interesting also the reconstruction of the work made by his propaganda in order to free him from suspects and charges.