The_Basis_of_Augustus_Power

Research Essay – The Augustan Age 44BC-AD14 Upon examination of the basis of Augustus’ power, it is clearly evident that his claim within the Res Gestae, “I excelled all in influence, although I possessed no more official power than others who were my colleagues in several magistracies”, does not clearly reflect the basis of Augustus’ potestas. Through the acquisition of his appropriate titles as well as respective magistracies, Augustus’ power was far greater than any of his colleagues within the Senate. The basis of Augustus’ power emerged from his family ties and bloodline, as the adopted son of Julius Caesar, which provided him a stable foundation for a surge of power. Elected as triumvir along with Lepidus and Mark Antony in an oath of revenge upon the killers of his adopted father, Augustus’ was granted great auctoritas, being supported only by his magistracy of Consul. Reelected as consul until 27BC, Augustus’ had gained further constitutional power at age 23, exceeding his colleagues within the senate. Augustus had continually gained control over Rome and the Empire. Through his political manipulation, Augustus’ planted the image of him amounting an equal degree of power with his colleagues among the Roman citizens. According to Tacitus, senator and historian of the Roman Empire, Augustus “won the soldiers with gifts, cheap grain and the sweetness of peace and gradually took over the functions of senate, magistracies and laws”. This source indicates the political maneuvers of Augustus and his acts to gain auctoritas among roman citizens and military officials. Augustus further resigned his powers in 28BC. This was seen as a political act, as an indicator that Augustus was merely voted into the Senate by the people and not through his political coercion. However, this further indicates his far greater power amongst his colleagues, as it was a sign that roman citizens adored and respected Augustus and as a result, voted him into the senate. The power base of Augustus’ only increased as his political career progressed. With the emergence of the second settle, Augustus was granted the potestas of Maius Imperium which allowed him unlimited military control. Following this was his grant of civil authority, or, his Trubunicia Potestas. This allowed him the ability of veto legislation, the power to summon the senate, the ability to make the first motion at any meeting over consuls and most importantly – he has sacrosanct. This meant that Augustus was free from prosecution, and was an immaculate protection for him. Concise observation of these titles and their abilities clearly displays that Augustus’ power greatly exceeded his colleagues. Uncoincidentially, Augustus has failed to mention his Maius Imperium throughout the Res Gestae. This was done so to maintain Augustus image as ‘ruler for the people, by people’, reassuring them his powers were not abused. While his statement does not indicate the basis of his power, the titles granted upon him and his proceeding magistracies greatly depicts the power influx he held. Augustus’ statement did not asses the basis of his rule. Cassius Dio, an ancient roman historian stated that Augustus ruled with “absolute power in all matters, having more official powers than his colleagues”. He also states that Augustus was ‘careful to disguise this power’. This depicts the amount of political propaganda deployed by Augustus to gain favour and auctoritas amongst Romans. According to E.T. Salmon, a modern day historian, “the real basis of the principate was the military power of the Empire”. This is a reference to Augustus, and only provides evidence that through successful propaganda, Augustus has not only exceeded his colleagues in influence but also within the official powers he held, as none of his colleagues possessed the same magistracies. Through intellectual manipulation of the roman citizens as well as amongst the Senate, the true basis of Augustus’ power was concealed. Through his self depiction within the Res Gestae amongst the viewpoint of himself, Augustus cleverly and ingeniously eluded himself to the thought that he was greater than the average Roman citizen gaining prestige, auctoritas and potestas amongst Rome and its citizens, proving his claim within the Res Gestae to be inaccurate. Amounting a wealth of extraordinary titles and powers, Augustus exceeded his “colleagues within several magistracies” not only in influence, but through his official powers as well. -------------------------------------------- [ 2 ]. Augustus, Res Gestae – 34. [ 3 ]. Tacitus, Penguin Books 2007 – P144. [ 4 ]. ‘A History of the Roman World from 30 B.C. to A.D. 138’ – Edward Togo Salmon.