The Augustan Settlements

The Augustan Settlements

1. Context

   • After the death of Antony and cleopatra Octavian sought to restore order to the republic
     • He believed that the saftey and wellbeing of the state depended on im personally
       • on his personal and individual ability to look after the state

2. First Augustan Settlement

   • 27 BC
     • Renounced all powers and provinces
       • Senate protested and granted him
         • Name of Augustus and Title of Princeps
           • First Citizen
           • Whats in the name?
             • Augustus
               • used to describe sacred things, temples, linked to Auguries
               • the role of Augustus as a leading citizen was not an official part of roman government
                 • no way to describe this new position and it findamental way of describe this new position and its fundamental importance to the state other than in theological / divine terms
                   • no longer be viewed in simple human terms somewhere between mortal and divine
                     • Sacrosanct
         • Proconsul Imperium
           • over parts of the Empire which required military defence
             • Spain
             • Gaul
             • Syria
             • Cyprus
             • Egypt
             • frontier territories
           • Army given to him
             • territory
             • food source
         • Had power to legates
           • make war
           • conclude treaties
         • continued to be elected to consulship each year
           • giving imperium in Rome and Italy
         • Civic Crown and Golden Shield
           • What is it?
             • The Coronoa Civica
               • Standard award for saving the life of a citizen in battle
                 • Saving empires life
                 • the greatful survivor would hence forth treat and respect his saviour as a father
                   • Patria Potestas
                     • owns people
                       • state under his control
             • Golden Shield
               • Pronounced the moral Authority and qualities of Augustus
                 • Like Aeneid
   • 31 - 27
     • Held power of triumvir back by Oath of Allegiance
     • Held Consul every year
       • odd as usually only held twice

3. The Second Consitutional Settlement

   • 23 BC
     • Augustus was away in his provinces, but in 23 BC two events too place which forced him to reconsider his poition
       • a Serious conspiracy against him by Varro Murena and Fannius Caepio highlighted senatorial resentment of his perpetual consulship which limited their ambitions
       • He became dangerously ill and this made his reconsider the tiring day to day buisness of being consul
     • Resigned consulship
       • compensated in two ways
         • proconsul power recognised as superior (maius)
           • this enabled compete control over the army
         • granted tribunician power for life without a colleague
           • enabled him to veto, legislate and to oficially help citizens

4. How might we describe Augustus position in 27 - 23 BC

   • Princeps
     • first citizen
   • Tutela or Cura
     • Guardian or Protector
   • Pater Patiae
     • father of the country

5. Later power

   • 12 Bc
     • Pontifex Maximus
       • Lepidus died
         • allowing Augustus to become head of priesthood
   • 2 BC
     • Pater Patriae
       • father of the people
         • honorific title that Augustus veiwed as the highpoint of his carrer