Eli5: Why was the Augustan age in english literature called that ?

Question

Eli5: Why was the Augustan age in english literature called that ?

In: Other

Answer 1

The writers of that period really admired Roman authors, so they would imitate aspects of their works, and would compare the two eras to show how enlightened and civilised they were.

Alexander Pope imitated the Roman writer Horace and wrote “An Epistle to Augustus”, a satirical piece when he was actually targeting King George. The reign of Augustus in the Roman era saw a rise in satire, and this was mimicked in the Augustan era of English literature.