CLA233H1 Lecture Notes - Aristocracy, Veii, Golden Bull
Document Summary
Named julius caesar"s heir in 44 bce caesar assassinated shortly after being named dictator for life. Defeats antonius at actium in 31 bce: he now has no rivals for power. Receives the title augustus in 27 bce and imperium for 10 years. Receives his core powers in 23 bce. Reuses old categories to build his empire. Imperium original root word for emperor, means general. Aggressively pursues power granted to him by caesar"s will. Aggregate existing powers rather than claim new ones. Euphemism: never admit that there is substantial change afoot. Imperium consulare: power over the city of rome. Tribunicia potestas: the right to veto anything holds onto this power, doesn"t have to use it often because the people know not to make him do so. Enemies are a faction and/or foreigners ; avoids the diction of civil war. Princeps: first citizen i am just a citizen, not emperor or better than anyone else.
