Octavian A.K.A. Augustus

Octavian

• Octavian was a nephew, protégé, and adopted son of Julius Caesar

• He defeated his principal rival, Mark Anthony, and Anthony’s ally Cleopatra at Actium, Greece in 31 B.C.

Anthony and Cleopatra by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Augustus

• Octavian consolidated his rule and in 27 B.C., the Senate bestowed upon him the title Augustus

• “Augustus” has religious connotations suggesting a divine or semi-divine nature

• Augustus ruled virtually unopposed for 45 years in “a monarchy disguised as a republic”

• Principate – rule by the first citizen• Principes – first citizen

Augustus

• Augustus centralized political and military power like Julius Caesar did, but he was careful to preserve traditional republican offices and forms of government and included members of the Roman elite in his government

Government under Augustus

• Accumulated vast powers for himself and ultimately took responsibility for all important governmental functions

• Placed individuals loyal to him in all important positions• Reorganized the military system

• Created a new standing army with commanders who owed allegiance to him• Eliminated the personal armies of earlier years

• Stabilized the land after the years of civil war and allowed the institutions of empire to take root

• Refrained from forcing conformity on other parts of the empire – wanted them to obey

• Main task of emperor was to guard what Rome had won – consolidate, foster and maintain a Roman Peace.

Mare Nostrum

• After Augustus, the Roman Empire continued to grow to the point that it surrounded the Mediterranean

• Romans called the Mediterranean mare nostrum (“our sea”)

• Expansion brought Roman soldiers, diplomats, governors, and merchants throughout the region

• Trade flourished

Roman Empire, 117 A.D.

Pax Romana

• By stopping the civil wars, Augustus inaugurated an era known as pax romana (“Roman peace”) which greatly facilitated trade and communication

• Lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.

• Also included applying standards of justice and a basic code of law throughout the empire

How were populations controlled by the Romans?• Under the republic?

• Under the empire?

How were populations controlled by the Romans?• Under the republic

• Representation (consuls and Senate)• Resolution of conflicts between the patricians and plebeians (tribunes)• Dictators

• Under the empire• Julius Caesar centralized authority but alienated elite• Augustus continued centralization but placated elite and ensured loyalty

through patronage• Pax romana stabilized region through trade, communication, and law

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAX ROMANA

• ORDER• PROSPERITY• UNITY