Classical Studies 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 56: Primus Inter Pares, Dictator Perpetuo, Secular Games

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Bernd Steinbock

Document Summary

Reasons for the failure of the republic: roman view: moral decline, party strife: plebs vs nobility. As military commander: octavian wants his rule to rest on legitimate basis. Octavian"s position in rome: the constitutional perspective: 43: consul, 43-33: triumvir, 32: oath of allegiance, 31-23: consul every year, 29: glorius return to rome: 3 triumphs. The republic restored: octavian declares the republic as restored, the century of civil wars is over. Crisis in 23 bc: plot of republican-minded senators uncovered, problem: augustus" continuous consulship -> only one consulship available for competing senators. Second settlement 23 bc: resigned from consulship, tribunicia potestas, proconsular imperium. A new golden age: 17 bc: secular games. "republic restored": pax augusta: 2 bc: title: pater patriae. Assessment of the augustan principate from a constitutional perspective. Senate and people are source of augustus" legitimacy: continuation of elections of magistrates, workings of senate, legislation through assemblies, but: violation of all republican principles.