Paper Summary:

This paper examines the ways in which Augustus Caesar reformed the political system of Rome and how he helped construct a completely new system. First, the paper discusses how Augustus consolidated his power following the death of Julius Caesar and the failure of Antony. Then, the paper shows how he was able to gain such power and also maintain the support of the populace. The paper describes in detail the projects Augustus undertook to better the lives of common Roman citizens which garnered their loyalty. Some of the resistance that Augustus experienced is also considered. The paper concludes by looking at the long-term impact of Augustus' power, which later emperors who were less skilled abused.

From the Paper:

"Augustus thus kept the trappings of republican rule in the form of the continued existence of the Senate, but as leader he had powers that would last him his entire life like a king, and he exercised domination over the powers of the legislature and could act without their approval. Augustus was careful to appear to not wish to have absolute power, even while according to the institutional powers he possessed he could do what he wanted. The popularity he had amongst the people allowed him to engage in skillful public relations ploys, unintentionally aided in one instance, by a famine that struck Rome."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cassius Dio. Roman History. Translated by Earnest Cary. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1927. Complete text available February 21, 2009 at http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/home.html
• Suetonius. "Life of Augustus." Translated by J.C. Rolfe Translation. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1914. Complete text available February 21, 2009 at http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Augustus*.html

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