The Age of Augustus I

1. The Age of Augustus I

2. The Importance of Augustus • Augustus was the Great Architect of a new political system and of a new era in Roman History, “Age of Empire / Age of Peace” (PaxRomana). He lived from 63 BCE - 14 CE, with 44 years in power (30 BCE - 14 CE).

3. 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. • He needed to maintain stability without offending the dignity of the Romans. • Right after Actium - he held successive consulships

4. Octavian’s return to Rome 29-28 BCE • 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)

5. The significance of Augustus’ titles • Augustus was granted and held numerous titles: • Imperator (temporary military title) – 43 and 30 BCE • PrincepsSenatus– top of the senator list; the first to give his opinion – 28 BCE • Augustus – ‘one to be revered’ – 27 BCE • PrincepsCivitatis– ‘first citizen’; authority but not power – 27 BCE • PontifexMaximus– religious authority – 12 BCE • Pater Patriae– ‘Father of the Country’ – 2 BCE

6. How did he control power? • Power, Authority, Popularity: • Personal influence (auctoritas) • Military power – legions loyal to Augustus • Constitutional arrangements – executive power • Propaganda – writers, Forum and imperial cult • Gained support from the senatorial class, equestrians and the plebians • Worked with republican forms and did not advertise his supremacy

7. 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

8. Social and Political significance • 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.