Talk:Augustus

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Got the better of him

A quote from Tacitus says that Anthony's self-indulgence "got the better of him." I nearly changed this as being unencyclopedic but decided to refrain since it was within quotes. Obviously the translator from took some liberties, as the best ones do, when translating, since this is most likely does not translate literally from the Latin. Bringing up a larger point for all articles - when must an editor accept a tranlated statement? When may s/he do her/his own translation? Student7 (talk) 12:16, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

I'm by no means an expert in WP policy regarding this, but I would say only when absolutely necessary. I would check for a better translation, and if none can be found, discuss what you propose as the translation. If no one objects/if there is consensus, then add it. Hope this helps and seems reasonable. Carl.bunderson (talk) 00:22, 14 August 2008 (UTC)

Main page worthy!

Nice! I knew all that hard work would pay off. You better be thanking me from above Augustus. Lol. On second thought, he'd probably have me cut down by his praetorians for adding criticism about him in the article. :P Cheers.--Pericles of Athens^Talk 03:31, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

First emperor but inherited the throne...?

Great article but I'm a little confused by exactly what throne means here.

I understand throne to be something a king / emperor sits on which symbolises an inherited leadership of a state / nation / people or whatever.

So, what exactly does it mean that Augustus was first emperor but inherited the emperorship? Sorry if it's just a dumb question.

Mike —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mpawright (talk • contribs) 04:19, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

??? By doing a quick search, this is the only place in the article where the word "throne" appears: "Tiberius was also responsible for restoring Tigranes V to the throne of Armenia." This article stresses again and again that he is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire. It does not state that he inherited any such position. Please show us where you see it any differently.--Pericles of Athens^Talk 04:31, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

It's from the Main Page blurb, I assume. "The young Octavian was adopted by his great uncle Julius Caesar from whom he inherited the throne in 44 BC." Better take this to WP:ERRORS, as it is somewhat misleading. GeeJo ^(t)⁄_(c) • 09:36, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Octavian / Octavius

I presume there is some technically correct Latin going on here with regards to the constant change in his name between Octavian and Octavius. But as a humble reader (rather than a Latin purist / scholar / student) it is very confusing. Perhaps the argument has been held elsewhere about the way to handle this, but wouldn't it make more sense in an English language article to use one common "name" for him? Sorry for what might sound like a dumb question, but as I've come here from the main page, I guess I might represent a portion of the readership today which otherwise hasn't read the article. Larkim (talk) 10:37, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Octavian is the more common form used in English, and should be used consistently throughout the article. --Akhilleus (talk) 14:19, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Is someone going to change it then? Anyone mind if I do, though I'm no authority on these things? Larkim (talk) 14:26, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Throne

No problems with the article about Octavian-Augustus, about whom I know quite a lot. But one factor of the way it is featured on the front page is seriously misleading. The feature says he "inherited the throne" from Julius Caesar,his uncle in 44BC. This is incorrect: there was no Roman throne to inherit, there was no Roman position of king or emperor. Even in later years Octavian-Augustus was very circumspect about any such title, and respected the theoretically dominant status of the Senate. The article itself says clearly that Octavian-Augustus gained his inheritance. I don't know how to edit the front page but I wish someone would. Benyon3 (talk) 10:53, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

I saw that too, a glaring error. It only appears once on Wikipedia main page. No big deal. Someone digests that. Why don't you change it in the article? Get started on Wiki ....Dave (talk) 11:19, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Whoa! "His inheritance" refers to the financial wealth (along with a few debts!  :) he inherited from his great uncle. And maybe a few loyalties thrown in. It doesn't refer to a non-existent throne. We need to make this clear, but I am not too clear on the exact inheritance myself (probably later in the article. Too lazy to read down). Student7 (talk) 11:51, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Oh my gosh, he's right! The featured article says he inherited the throne. How do you change a feautred article? Got to be some protocol for that! Student7 (talk) 14:09, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Indeed the feature page needs changing to reflect the only thing Octavian inherited from Julius was his estate. From past experience with errors on the main page though only a senior admin has the access to correct this. - Galloglass 14:54, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Hahaha! I just noticed that on the main page of Wiki. That's a funny error, but one that needs to be fixed pronto. Or, if not, people can read the article and realize the mistake.--Pericles of Athens^Talk 15:28, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Vandalism

While it seems like a pain, prompt warning of vandals on their page tends to discourage 80% of them, particularly the ones who have just started. It is worth the time.Student7 (talk) 11:30, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

What does a deletion of the article contents actually bring anyone? Admins might have to think about people doind that but, on the other hand, why would (and is) people so stupid to want admins to half-protect articles only for them not to be able to delete their information. If they are not even half-protected, what is the achievement then? 134.60.10.143 (talk) 14:32, 23 September 2008 (UTC)

Some clown inserted a racial slur at the end of the paragraph on Augustus's early life.