Administration of Roman Empire During Augustus' Reign
Administration of the Empire Much chaos surrounded Rome with the fall of the Roman Republic. After seizing Egypt, Octavian returned to Rome and became the first emperor of the Roman Empire in 27 BCE. “His restructuring of the senatorial and equestrian orders, and the subsequent emulation between the two, provided the human resources, power dynamics, and incentives necessary for his administration”. It was easier for Augustus to carryout such major changes in administration because there was a universal desire for peace, stability, and material gain. Augustus developed a new administration for the empire in three different levels: those in Rome, Italy, and the provinces.
Besides from being emperor, Augustus acquired multiple titles and offices that conferred on him the ultimate leadership of the Roman Empire while maintaining the trappings of the Republic. The office of imperator gave him full authority over the Roman legions. The title of “Princeps” acknowledged his position as first citizen and first among equals with members of the Roman Senate. He shared pro-consular power with the Senate, giving him governing authority of various provinces and direct command of the legions in them. He also had greater pro-consular power, which gave him authority over all other governors in the provinces that he did not directly control. Tribunician power granted him the authority of the tribune, giving him the right to call assemblies, the right of veto power, and the right to appeal to citizens. Consular power granted Augustus the power to call the Senate and chair meetings and also gave him vast legal and administrative powers. Upon taking all these offices, Augustus effectively replaced what had previously been delegated to single magistrate under the Republic.
Augustus wanted to ensure to rebuilt the empire and leave it as a strong and legendary empire after his time. He transformed Rome in various ways. The administrative structures of the capital had become outdated
Besides from being emperor, Augustus acquired multiple titles and offices that conferred on him the ultimate leadership of the Roman Empire while maintaining the trappings of the Republic. The office of imperator gave him full authority over the Roman legions. The title of “Princeps” acknowledged his position as first citizen and first among equals with members of the Roman Senate. He shared pro-consular power with the Senate, giving him governing authority of various provinces and direct command of the legions in them. He also had greater pro-consular power, which gave him authority over all other governors in the provinces that he did not directly control. Tribunician power granted him the authority of the tribune, giving him the right to call assemblies, the right of veto power, and the right to appeal to citizens. Consular power granted Augustus the power to call the Senate and chair meetings and also gave him vast legal and administrative powers. Upon taking all these offices, Augustus effectively replaced what had previously been delegated to single magistrate under the Republic.
Augustus wanted to ensure to rebuilt the empire and leave it as a strong and legendary empire after his time. He transformed Rome in various ways. The administrative structures of the capital had become outdated
Cited: Cherry. A History of Rome. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. 237. Print.