ABSTRACT: This thesis analyzes the cult of Bona Dea in relation to the Augustan moral movement, looking specifically into how the emperor used the cult of Bona Dea to assimilate the traditional feminine morality of chastity, purity, and virtuousness into the behavior of Roman women. I begin the thesis with an examination of the Augustan legislation, discussing elements of the moral movement he desired to usher into the Roman empire. Following the chapter on the Augustan legislation is a thorough analysis of the cult of Bona Dea, deliberating on how the character of the goddess and the rituals of her cult’s festivals assist in the assimilation of the moral movement to the Roman female population. In the subsequent chapters, I discuss examples (Livia) and counter examples (the cult of Bacchus and Julia) of the Roman feminine ideals of virtuousness exemplified by the Augustan moral movement and the cults he promoted, specifically the cult of Bona Dea. The initial research question was “How do the values inherent in the rituals and festivals of the cult of Bona Dea relate to the Augustan values during the regime of Augustus?” After further research, a decision was made to evaluate how both the character of the goddess Bona Dea and her cult’s activities assisted, along with state legislation, in influencing Roman women (specifically elite women) to align with the Augustan moral movement. The method of investigation was primarily reading books and articles on either Bona Dea or the Augustan imperial family and the marriage legislation of 18 BC, making connections between the two for the topic of this thesis. Through these books and articles, I was able to identify primary sources, being ancient Roman authors discussing the topic, to include in the discussion. By the end of the research and writing process, I concluded the Augustan moral movement used the cult of Bona Dea to assist in the legislative and societal push for Roman women to maintain the character of the traditional matronae. The cult encouraged to women to display behavior of chastity, purity, and loyalty. However, the case of Julia and her banishment permitted a conclusion of Roman women were expected to create and maintain a public image of traditional virtuousness, with these moral behavioral expectations being seen as secondary in the private sphere.
