I am in the process of completing a Master of Arts degree in historical research methodology, my chosen topic was "The Place of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in the Principate of Augustus". This is a short introductory section from my thesis proposal, and it indicates the main research direction that my work took me.

The first emperor of Rome, Augustus, is clearly recognised as the man who achieved the stabilisation of the Roman state and its empire. He himself ensured that any credit for this was placed firmly in his hands. But although he was arguably the instigator of, and apparently the 'brains' behind the plans that eventually secured this stabilisation, he did not in reality do it 'alone' as he would have us believe. At different stages of his career Augustus relied heavily on a small and select group of friends and advisors, who through their talents and apparent willingness to subordinate their own personal objectives, enabled Augustus to accomplish his intentions for the Roman state. What I intend to do is strip away the 'radiance that is Augustus' from the sources, and and attempt to peer underneath at what was really happening.
My MA thesis looked at the career and influence of the man who allegedly became chief of that select group, the one on whom Augustus apparently relied on most heavily and the one who ultimately shared power with Augustus himself. Although Agrippa achieved virtually the same levels of actual power, the purpose of the paper is to attempt to discover why such an undoubtedly powerful figure apparently 'preferred' to remain in the background and allow his friend and colleague to achieve such prominence. It will also seek to examine the nature of his power and whether or not it threatened Augustus, if at all he was in league with the emperor's wife Livia, and further explore whether or not he had a planned 'programme' that he was deliberately following, or if he was a lucky 'victim' of circumstance. By looking at these dynamics I hope to attempt to reinterpret the so -called Augustan age.

My research went well and I came to some startling conclusions, I feel I am on the way to redefining his powers and position, and therefore possibly the re-evaluation of the Augustan era. I don't know whether I shall publish my findings, but if anyone wants to read the thesis upon completion they are welcome to contact me.

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