![]() Another interesting observation is that the Romans referred to the Mediterranean as 'Mare Nostrum' meaning our sea. This is a map of the Roman Empire under Trajan when it reached its greatest extent. Yet, I think we would be well advised to remember Eisenhower's warning about "The Industrialized Military Complex" and the influence it can have on government. It is a difficult issue to understand and much more complex than my simple answer. It is not a coincidence that 'imperator' from which emperor is derived actually means general. The move then to individual autocratic government by an 'imperator' when the Senate, the civilian government, lost control of their armies was not as difficult as one might think. The Roman Republic was never an egalitarian democracy but instead evolved into an aristocratic oligarchy controlled by the Senate. What I think is important to note that 'SPQR' puts the Senate first and not the People. This is a symbol of Ancient Rome readily recognized which of course is 'Republican' but this same symbol is one that would continue under the 'Principate'. With his ability to eliminate senatorial opposition by means of arms, the Senate became docile towards his paramount position of leadership. Augustus' control over the majority of Rome's legions established an armed threat that could be used against the Senate, allowing him to coerce the Senate's decisions. His substantive power stemmed from financial success and resources gained in conquest, the building of patronage relationships throughout the Empire, the loyalty of many military soldiers and veterans, the authority of the many honors granted by the Senate, and the respect of the people. By law, Augustus held a collection of powers granted to him for life by the Senate, including those of tribune of the plebs and censor. The ' Principate' was never an office like the Roman dictatorship which Caesar and Sulla had held before him indeed, he declined it when the Roman populace "entreated him to take on the dictatorship". It took several years to work out the exact framework by which a formally republican state could be led by a sole ruler, the result of which became known as the Roman Empire. The Triumvirate was eventually torn apart under the competing ambitions of its rulers: Lepidus was driven into exile, and Antony committed suicide following his defeat at the Battle of Actium by the armies of Octavian in 31 BC.Īfter the demise of the Second Triumvirate, Octavian restored the outward facade of the Roman Republic, with governmental power vested in the Roman Senate, but in practice retained his autocratic power. As a Triumvir, Octavian effectually ruled Rome and most of its provinces as an autocrat, seizing consular power after the deaths of the consuls Hirtius and Pansa and having himself perpetually re-elected. In 43 BC, Octavian joined forces with Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus in a military dictatorship known as the Second Triumvirate. The young Octavius was adopted by his great uncle, Julius Caesar and came into his inheritance after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. ![]() May it be my privilege to have the happiness of establishing the commonwealth on a firm and secure basis and thus enjoy the reward which I desire, but only if I may be called the author of the best possible government and bear with me the hope when I die that the foundations which I have laid for its future government, will stand firm and stable.Īugustus, born Gaius Octavius and prior to 27 BC, known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus after adoption, was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, who ruled from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. sistere in sua sede liceat atque eius rei fructum percipere, quem peto, ut optimi status auctor dicar et moriens ut feram mecum spem, mansura in vestigio suo fundamenta rei p. Disclaimer Gaius Iulius Caesar Octavianus ![]()
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