The City of God · Chapter
Book V explained
Augustine discusses the doctrine of fate, refuting those who attribute the power and increase of the Roman empire to fate or false gods.
What happens
Augustine discusses the doctrine of fate, refuting those who attribute the power and increase of the Roman empire to fate or false gods. He argues that God's prescience does not negate free will, and examines the virtues of the ancient Romans, showing that their dominion was granted by divine providence, not by their pagan worship. He concludes by defining the true happiness of Christian emperors.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Divine Providence and History
Augustine argues that human kingdoms, including Rome, are established by divine providence, not fate or false gods.
- Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption
Examines Roman virtues (love of glory, liberty, frugality) as meriting temporal reward, contrasting with pagan corruption.
- Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Highlights that Romans received their reward in this life, while saints await eternal felicity as a gift of God.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and primary voice, refuting fate and false gods, analyzing Roman virtues.
- Sallust
Roman historian cited for praising Roman virtues and describing their desire for glory.
- Marcus Cato
Mentioned by Sallust as a man of eminent virtue in the republic.
- Alexander of Macedon
Cited as an example of a ruler whose empire was not due to fate.
- Jupiter
Referenced in Virgil's quote regarding Juno's change of plans for Rome.
- Juno
Mentioned in Virgil's poetry as a deity whose hostility would change to favor for Rome.
- Virgil
Roman poet quoted for his verses on Roman glory and destiny.
- King Tarquin
Banished king whose expulsion led to the consular government and Roman liberty.
Key passages
“The cause, then, of the greatness of the Roman empire is neither fortuitous nor fatal... In a word, human kingdoms are established by divine providence.”
Augustine asserts that Rome's greatness comes from God's providence, not chance or fate.
Central thesis of the chapter, refuting pagan and fatalistic explanations.
“They were 'greedy of praise, prodigal of wealth, desirous of great glory, and content with a moderate fortune.'”
Sallust's description of ancient Romans as ambitious for glory but frugal in personal wealth.
Augustine uses this to illustrate Roman virtues that God rewarded temporally.
“So also these despised their own private affairs for the sake of the republic... they pressed forward to honours, power, and glory; they were honoured among almost all nations... 'they have received their reward.'”
Romans sacrificed personal gain for the state, earning earthly glory as their reward.
Contrasts with eternal reward of saints in the City of God.
