Marcus Vipsanius Agripp Rome's Pillar Of Strength

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa: Rome’s Pillar of Strength
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa is known mainly as Augustus’ right hand man, who helped him reach the top against every obstacle he faced and his most trusted friend. He was a man whose intelligence and wisdom were beyond his years, ranging from military prowess to technical ingenuity that had not been seen before. Many of Augustus’ greatest triumphs can be directly traced to his friend’s exceptional efforts and talent, and the unwavering faith that Augustus had in him. Agrippa was more than a Roman general; he was the foundation of Augustus’ success and the pillar of Roman strength that held strong and true.
Not much is known of Marcus Agrippa’s background, for many ancient historians did not …show more content…
He was often described as an “unassuming, modest, generous, considerate, and upright” man, merging the old and new Roman virtues of gravitas and the austere . Around the age of twenty three, Marcus gained the political title of praetor urbanus, which he entered shortly after returning to Rome from the civil war. While heading off to Gaul, Octavian entrusted his good friend to rally the Roman people while he was gone, knowing his friend’s charisma would do just that. Agrippa holds public games during this time and onward, allowing the Roman people some entertainment along with the message that they have the people’s interest at heart. Many remember him for his exceptional games and public works, and he is often known as a very generous man . Some of his tallied works, funded from his own pockets, include: seven hundred cisterns, five hundred fountains topped by three hundred statues (of marble or bronze) and four hundred marble columns. He also opens one hundred and seventy public baths and makes olive oil and salt available to everyone . This generosity was not in vain, for the people understood that their own wellbeing was directly tied to both Agrippa and Augustus