Augustus's Victory In The Battle Of Actium

Augustus used the two settlements of 27 BC and 23 BC to complete his constitutional power and to legitimise his position. These two political paradoxes did to a very large extent contribute to the establishment of the Augustan principate. However there were other factors which also played an important role in assisting him to obtain ultimate power. His victory in the Battle of Actium and his extraordinary ability in propagating his campaign and achievement earned him the popularity among the Roman population. His conservative inclination and his link with the army effectively secured his place in the senatorial order.
The Battle of Actium has constituted to a potent and enduring turning point in the course of Roman history for it signalled the commencement of a new era in Rome led by Augustus with his new political regime. Modern historian and Classicist, Sir Ronald Syme in his book The Roman Revolution first published in
However he was again compensated, this time, for the loss of his consular imperium. His proconsular imperium was recognised as superior (maius). Though it’s restricted by a time limit, there was virtually no other limitation on his imperium. He was granted tribunician power for life without a colleague unless he co – opted one, which gave him the right to legislate in the assembly, to summon the senate and put motions to it, to veto and to officially help citizens who were oppressed by magistrates. Augustus very carefully downplayed his maius imperium as a proconsul and his consular imperium, and disguised them by emphasising his tribunician power. The tribunicia potestas came to be officially regarded as the legal basis of Augustus’ power. His constitutional powers were completed after his second settlement in 23 BC. More titles and honours were given to him after this date which gradually established his ultimate