The Roman Empire has experienced many highs and lows from various rulers. In the period from 28BC to 63BC, Augustus was named the first roman emperor which resulted in growth within the empire especially considering social and political aspects. Augustus has been said to be the Saviour of Rome after the downfall experienced by Caesars dictatorship. By restoring many old traditions regarding religion and social reforms, Augustus proved himself to be a reliable and adequate ruler in restoring Rome to its zenith for over 200 years.
“Augustus was born into an equestrian family… on 23rd September 63 BC” (Romans-empire.com, 2016) under the name Gaius Octavius which his father also shared. In appearance he is said to be of “of short stature, handsome
He believed that Rome’s decline was due to the destruction of citizens morals over the decades of Caesars dictatorship. To overcome this he put in place reforms that impacted society and the government that enforced his beliefs on marriage, chastity and religion. One of his first reforms was restoring 82 temples and monuments in his first year, to promote religion along with reintroducing religious festivals and ceremonies. To further promote this, Augustus restored the priesthood and made himself a religious leader and a god like figure. By being worshiped as a god, his influence and power within the city increased. Another reform made was one directed at marriage, specifically at female adultery and unmarried men. This reform was made to enforce tradition beliefs of marriage, encouraging loyalty, the birth of children and marriage. “He politically and financially rewarded families with three or more children, especially sons. He penalized unmarried men older than 38 years old by imposing on them an additional tax that stopped them from receiving inheritances and attending public games.” (Fide.S, 2012). He also banned female adultery, if one was accused and found guilty of adultery, she would either be banished or killed by her father or husband. Other smaller reforms
The principate created was necessary in this time due to the downfall Rome had previously received during its years of civil wars and Caesars dictatorship. These reforms not only restored Rome but led it to its zenith. It is clear by evaluating the changes Augustus made that it is safe to call him the saviour of Rome as he was what Rome needed in a leader at that point in
From ages past, the actions of conquerors, kings and tyrants had brought the Roman Republic to a stance that opposed any idea of a singular leader, of a single man that held total power over the entirety of the state. Their rejection of the various ruthless Etruscan rulers that had previously dictated them brought the Republic to existence in 509 BC , and as a republic their prominence throughout the provinces of the world exponentially expanded. Throughout these years, the traditions of the Romans changed to varying degrees, most noticeably as a result of the cultural influence that its subject nations had upon the republic, as well as the ever-changing nature of Roman society in relation to then-current events. However, it was not until the rise of Augustus, the first of a long line of succeeding emperors, that many core aspects of the Republic were greatly changed. These were collectively known as the “Augustan Reforms”, and consisted of largely a variety of revisions to the social, religious, political, legal and administrative aspects of the republic’s infrastructure. Through Augustus, who revelled in the old traditional ways of the past, the immoral, unrestraint society that Rome was gradually falling to being was converted to a society where infidelities and corruption was harshly looked upon and judged. The Roman historian Suetonius states, “He corrected many ill practices, which, to the detriment of the public, had either survived the licentious habits of the late civil wars, or else originated in the long peace” . Through Augustus and his reforms, the Republic was transformed into an Empire, and through this transformation, Rome experienced one of its greatest and stabl...
Augustus was born in Rome on September 23, 63 B.C. He was originally named Gaius Octavianus, but when his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was murdered, he took his name. Augustus’ real father died when his son was only four. Augustus was adopted in Julius Caesar’s will and was left to be his heir at the age of eighteen. Caesar was very fond of his grand-nephew and he sent him to the College of Pontifices at the age of sixteen. When Caesar was assassinated, Augustus was in Illyria, where he was sent to serve. It was only when he returned to Italy that he learned he was his great-uncle’s heir.
Augustus officially brought Rome into imperial status. Julius Caesar climbed the governmental ladder and ended up as the consul and eventually, dictator for life. When he was killed, all hope for the Roman Republic to be cured and survive was lost. By killing him, the senators ensured that the Roman Republic would either fall or continue to be corrupted. Had Julius Caesar not been killed, the Roman Republic could have been revived and cured of corruption, and the Roman Empire might never have existed.
Following the successful side of Julius Caesar leadership, Augustus hosted many games and other measures such as ensuring the Gods were frequently celebrated. Augustus made sure the water supply was improved, and public baths had been put in place, these acts kept society happy and gained Augustus’s popularity. To please the people and allow for peace, Augustus never claimed the title of “Emperor” or “King” as they were part of the reason for his uncle’s downfall. Augustus took the name of “Princeps” instead, which was a much safer and smarter option. Augustus received high office via the Senate and was also the head of Rome’s religious and political affairs. After many years of civil riots, Augustus was able to deliver peace and prosperity to Roman society and allowed for the 200 years of Pax Romana. Augustus could have put his power to use in an evil and self-serving way, but instead, he was generous with all of the society including
With the problems starting with the dissolution of the first triumvirate and the actions of Julius Caesar, it seemed almost inevitable that the Republic would become an Empire. With the death of the true republican, Cicero, and many not remembering what the republic was like, giving power to the capable and honorable man seemed as if the best answer. Furthermore, if the Rome continue to remain a Republic the Senate could not have maintained the success or power that the Empire held. The ambition of one man made it easy to continue the growth whereas, many of the policies and disputes the country faced had face might have taken to long or complicated had the republic
Augustus cares about his people or that is how he portrays himself in his personal account of his life. He references things such as the money he gives to multiple causes, as well as his service to the people, and the positions they awarded him. He also portrays himself as being a just leader. For example he says “those who assassinated my father I drove into exile, avenging their crime by due process of the law”, he fairly punished them for their crime. Augustus also shows that he is in favor of true justice by saying that he would prefer to let someone live instead of killing them. Augustus’ name was important to him as was his history, and his traditions he mentions refusing offices that
New improvisations had been created during the civil war, and could not, therefore, be disregarded during the work of restoration. Such initiatives included a permanent army under the leadership of Augustus, with Augustus himself as chief commander. His position gave him power to rule over Rome. However, he faced a few setbacks since the republic was not ready for a dictatorial leader. His desire to retain authority put the Roman Empire at a risk for future civil wars amongst other generals. He aimed at reconstructing and restoring Rome, but in order to retain his power, Augustus had to make the restoration of peace and unity possible within the Roman population. Roman citizens craved for the same peace that had reigned before the civil war had begun, and were ready to support Augustus so long as he was ready and willing to preserve Rome and the privileges of the people.
In the Res Gestae, he often speaks of being offered positions of power and turning them down. He also speaks of how he donated his own money to the Roman people and building projects. However, some of his actions before he became emperor often went against that image. Augustus also chooses to omit the fact that he had immense power as emperor. Following the assassination of Julius Caesar, Augustus was named as his heir and began a rivalry with Marc Antony for power. He engaged in many deceitful acts, such as slandering Marc Antony and Cleopatra to turn the Roman people against them. In the end Marc Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide. Augustus doesn’t discuss the events from this period of time in detail. Augustus wanted to be seen as humble. He often spoke of turning down positions of power that he was offered by the people and the senate. However, he chooses to omit the fact that he was given Mauis Imperium in 23 BC which gave him immense power. This gave him the power to command any official in the empire. Augustus also wanted to present the image of being well-liked and respected. In the Res Gestae, he often mentions honors and positions he was offered due to the senate and people being so impressed with his accomplishments. However, not everyone was always impressed with Augustus or liked him. He completely omits any mention of the Perusine War. The Perusine War took place in 40 BC. Aristocrats opposed
Augustus created the office of emperor with the Augustan Principate, which was “to have no institutionalized authoritarian power, no perpetual dictatorship such as Julius Caesar had had himself voted early in 44, or anything like it (Stockton, 124).” Despite his wishes the people of Rome ended up giving Augustus eternal office, and powers to control the Senate with the rights to dictate agendas and veto (Stockton, 128). The people of Rome had created a position of absolute power, the exact thing Augustus was attempting to prevent. At the time the people of Rome could not have realized what they were creating in the office of emperor, for Augustus was a great man whose leadership created a great shadow over the shoulder of any future emperor.
...4 AD, one month away from his 76th birthday. Augustus’s ultimate legacy was the peace and prosperity the empire was to enjoy for the next two centuries under the system he started. Augustus’s patience and his tact all played a part in re-establishing Rome and directing the future of the empire down many lasting paths.
...eat. Every decision that Rome made had a great affect on the city itself and the rest of the world. Many foolish emperors weakened the city and eventually cause the many aspects of life to crumble. The social issues were that no one took interest into Public affairs. The Political issues were that because no one took any public interest in government jobs, because there were not looked at as something that was good. The Economic issues were that they had poor harvest. Food was scarce people needed food so they went after it. The Germanic tribes started taking over the western half of the empire.
Augustus needed to legitimize his powers. He did this by handing back his powers to the senate and the people of Rome. The senate protested, and voted to give Augustus the powers of proconsul imperium over provinces that needed military defence as well as make him consul. As these powers were given by the senate and the people, they were
Some of the buildings that was built under his command was the Curia, the temple of Apollo and the Lupercal. He also ordered the construction of a highway that connected Rome to its empire. Augustus was very motivated by art. He loved art so much that he even finished building the incomplete projects left by his father such as the Forum Julium and the Basilica.
...tablish the principate, where he established several legates to help govern the expanding empire. The system allowed the Emperor to remain in control, but also step away and allow others to take the lead if need be. Had Augustus not set this new form of government into play, Rome would have been torn apart several years before the fall of the Empire. His form of government proved strong enough to support the likes of Caligula and Tiberius, who was more concerned with his special interest museum than being Emperor.
He wanted to relate and connect to all parts of society, including the Plebeians. Through generosity and less extravagance, Augustus achieved a connection with the common people. Philosopher B: After the fall of the Roman Republic in 27BC, the fundamental power shifted from the Senate to Augustus, the Emperor. However, Augustus knew that to keep the favour of the Roman people, he needed to keep up the façade of the Senate holding political power. Despite this, the Senate held no actual political power, although individuals still sought membership of the senate for dignity and social status.