-
Essay / From the Republic to the Empire: Did Augustus save or ruin the...
Philosopher A: Augustus saved the republic. Philosopher B: Saved her? He made it an empire! Augustus ruined the republic. Philosopher A: In the Republic, the Senate was the main branch of Roman government and held the majority of political power. She controlled funds, administration and foreign policy and had significant influence over the daily lives of the Roman people. When Augustus came to power, he retained the Senate and it retained its legal position. The emperor's rule was legitimized by the Senate because he needed the experience of senators to serve as administrators, diplomats, and generals. Although technically the most influential individual in Rome, Augustus strove to embody republican values. He wanted to build relationships and connect with all parts of society, including the Plebeians. Through his generosity and less extravagance, Augustus established a connection with the people. Philosopher B: After the fall of the Roman Republic in 27 BC, fundamental power passed from the Senate to Augustus, the emperor. However, Augustus knew that to maintain the favor of the Roman people, he had to maintain the facade of the Senate holding political power. Despite this, the Senate held no real political power, although individuals still sought Senate membership for their dignity and social status. During the reigns of the early emperors, legislative, judicial and electoral powers were all transferred from the Roman assemblies to the Senate. However, as the Senate was filled with individuals whom Augustus approved of, it only acted as a vehicle through which the Emperor exercised his autocratic powers. In the Empire, the Emperor had complete jurisdiction over all policies and decisions. At the beginning of the empire, h...... middle of paper ......gustus. (nd). The Internet Classics Archive | The acts of the divine Augustus by Augustus. Retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://classics.mit.edu/Augustus/deeds.htmlThe Senate - Ancient Rome for Kids. (nd). The Senate - Ancient Rome for children. Retrieved March 25, 2014 from http://rome.mrdonn.org/senate.htmlThe Chronology of the Life of Octavian, Caesar Augustus. (nd). The chronology of the life of Octavian, Caesar Augustus. Retrieved March 27, 2014 from http://applet-magic.com/caesaraugustus.htm Virgil: Aeneid VI. (nd). Virgil: Aeneid VI. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Latin/VirgilAeneidVI.htm#_Toc2242941 • The Official Truth – Propaganda in the Roman Empire. (nd). BBC News. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/romanpropaganda_article_01.shtmlAPA formatting by BibMe.org.