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The Age of Augustus I
The Importance of Augustus
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Augustus was the Great Architect of a
new political system and of a new era in
Roman History, “Age of Empire / Age of
Peace” (Pax Romana). He lived from 63
BCE - 14 CE, with 44 years in power (30
BCE - 14 CE).
After Actium: Octavian's Choices
The Battle of Actium (31 BCE) was the decisive
confrontation of the Final War of the Roman Republic. It
was a naval engagement fought between the forces of
Octavian and the combined forces of Mark Antony and
Cleopatra.
 Octavian found himself in control of the whole
Roman sphere of influence.
 He could go back to Rome and re-establish the
Republic.
 He could go back and establish himself immediately
as dictator.
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◦ He needed to maintain stability without offending the
dignity of the Romans.
◦ Right after Actium - he held successive consulships
Octavian’s return to Rome 29-28 BCE
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Gains power at age 33.
He maintains his immense power but within a humble facade.
He had a monarchy in all but name, an autocracy within a
Republican skin.
Restoration of order and confidence
Creation of financial stability
No acceptance of exceptional honours or powers
Use of propaganda to promote new era of peace
Provision of diversions (games/bread and circuses) and
employment for the people (building program)
Emphasis on interest in traditional and conservative activities
No vengeance in the form of proscriptions exacted against
enemies
Indication that peace was to continue (Temple of Janus opened)
The significance of Augustus’ titles
Augustus was granted and held numerous
titles:
o Imperator (temporary military title) – 43 and
30 BCE
o Princeps Senatus – top of the senator list; the
first to give his opinion – 28 BCE
o Augustus – ‘one to be revered’ – 27 BCE
o Princeps Civitatis – ‘first citizen’; authority but
not power – 27 BCE
o Pontifex Maximus – religious authority – 12
BCE
o Pater Patriae – ‘Father of the Country’ – 2 BCE
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How did he control power?
Power, Authority, Popularity:
o Personal influence (auctoritas)
o Military power – legions loyal to Augustus
o Constitutional arrangements – executive
power
o Propaganda – writers, Forum and imperial cult
o Gained support from the senatorial class,
equestrians and the plebians
o Worked with republican forms and did not
advertise his supremacy
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Creation of a standing army,
regardless of peace or war
There were 60 legions at Actium, these are
reduced to 28 with 170,000 soldiers and
auxiliaries.
 The soldiers became loyal to the Princeps.
 The "Empire" now equated authority with
the person, the emperor, Augustus.
 Compensated veterans – levies a 5% tax on
bequests and inheritances
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Social and Political significance
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Put himself in control of armies.
Makes military service a viable career path
with good retirement.
Provincial soldiers gain citizenship when
discharged.
Promotions were given based on merit.
The army became an agent of
Romanization in the Empire.
Senate: Augustus created a partnership of
sharing work and responsibility, but not power.