HIS 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Tunxis Community College, Flavian Dynasty, Pontifex Maximus
Document Summary
Ideas of j. caesar being defied after death. Antony makes high priest; octavian says he is heir to caesar. Octavian portrays himself as defender of traditional roman values. Casts himself as hellenistic monarch, real roman (helps octavian) Wanted to move roman capital to egypt. Naval battle at actium 31 bce octavian victorious. End of ptolemaic dynasty, antony dead cleopatra suicides. Becomes pontifex maximus, consul, tribune, etc. (he holds all offices) Offers up his power to restore senate power, but senate wants him to keep power; gives him the title augustus (meaning great one ) P 56 #7 what he thinks of himself (important) P 58 #34 gave up his pwer and pretends to not have power and it was given to senate (he had all the power) Stablized empire; puts end to continuous civil wars. Initiates tulio-claudian dynasty, to 69 ce; ffonaved by flavian dynasty. Office of princeps moved within the family line; stops at nero who is assassinated.
