What is the relationship between Art and Politics in Roman art?

This is a
very broad question! It's slightly difficult to answer without more context, but here's what I
think you're looking for:

When I think of the connection between art and
politics in the Roman Empire, the first person I think of is the Emperor Augustus, Rome's first
Emperor. He was a master of propaganda, and during his long reign commissioned many gorgeous
works of art, some of which live on until this day, that broadcast his political message loud
and clear. Here are a few examples:

The
Aeneid

The Aeneid
was an epic poem written by the poet Virgil, commissioned by Augustus. The work
tells...