Augustus, the first Princeps of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, implemented the calculated move of establishing a permanent means of protection from mutiny, predominantly stemming from political foes in the Senatus (Senate). The Praetorian Guard had already existed through a significant period of the Roman Republic; however, the new Praetorian Guard consisted of a unit of elite Imperial soldiers, with a direct duty to protect and serve the Princeps. Other duties expected to be carried out by Praetorians included espionage on behalf of the Princeps, and the detention and execution of prisoners. The nature of this duty lead to the unintended consequence of increased political powers to the Praetorians, especially the Prefect of the Guard.
Following the death of Augustus in 14CE, his experienced and esteemed successor Tiberius, was sworn allegiance to by the Senate, and the armies. During the first years of his reign, the Praetorians, lead by Prefect Sejanus, attempted to consolidate their influence on Tiberius; alongside disposing of
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political rivals, in particular, Tiberius’ brother Drusus. It is suggested by ancient historian Tacitus, that Sejanus held a corrupting influence on Tiberius, and yearned for the role of Princeps. It is important to note that this account may be biased, as Tacitus, a Roman Senator, may have harboured ill conceptions of Tiberius, due to the contentious relationship the Princeps held with the Senate. However, this argument presented by Tacitus is furthered, as Sejanus is recorded to have betrothed Tiberius’ granddaughter Julia, effectively inserting himself within the Julio-Claudian family, increasing his chances greatly of being named successor. A further point, Sejanus also banished Agrippina the Elder, and her two sons, who may have held legitimate consideration as a successor. Power held by the Praetorian Prefect was increased exponentially following the withdrawal of Tiberius to the Mediterranean island of Capri. Sejanus in particular, acted as the official correspondence between Tiberius and the Governors, Proconsuls, and the Senate during this time. Direct causation of this responsibility were the significant political powers granted to Sejanus, who held the ability to restrict communication between Princeps and the rest of the Principate. Sejanus therefore played an active role in straining the relationship between Tiberius and the Senate. It was only after these revelations of sinister intention of Sejanus’ had reached Tiberius, that Sejanus and his supporters were executed. Tiberius spent the remainder of his life on the Island of Capri, attempting to train his planned successor, Gaius. The Praetorian guard were instrumental in the succession of Gaius as Princeps, commending him in the Senate.
The Prefect of the Guard at the time was Macro, who had been promoted following the removal of Sejanus. Support for the Praetorians was shown in increasing the donative received, also acting as a security for ensuring unquestionable devotion to Princeps. Gaius’ allegiance to Macro was swiftly diminished, manifested in the form of Macro’s forced removal and suicide, as ordered by Gaius. Following Gaius’ erratic reign of the Empire, Praetorians assassinated Gaius, possibly with the support of numerous Senators. Praetorians selected Gaius’ successor, as there was no clear candidate. This is a pivotal point in the establishment of political powers held by the Praetorians. From this point forward, the future Princeps understood that they were at the mercy of the Praetorians approval, and also, could be bribed by political
opponents. Claudius, with the support of the Praetorians, and reluctant support of the Senate, was installed as the new Princeps of the Roman Empire. Modern historian Levick, suggests Claudius was “acutely aware of his insecure political future”, striving to cement his high regard among the Praetorians, as they would in-turn prove instrumental in his successful reign as Princeps. Levick’s arguments for Claudius’ desire to emphasise his relationship with the Praetorians is shown in the form of numismatic evidence, with many depictions of Claudius and the Praetorians found on gold and silver currency and on one particular coin, the phrase “The Praetorian’s have been received into Claudius’ trust” is inscribed. Furthermore, Claudius attempted to please the Praetorians by holding gladiatorial games annually, in the Praetorian Camps, to celebrate Claudius’ succession as Princeps. However, to affirm strength and power over the Praetorians, Claudius executed key members of the conspiracy against Gaius, also serving as a symbolic deterrent against conspiracies against himself. This, however, did not prevent such plots drawn up against Claudius, with at least seven failed plots discovered during Claudius’ reign, again proving the Praetorians essential to the security of Princeps. Claudius’ wife, Agrippina the Younger, is rumoured to have played a significant role alongside Praetorian Prefect Burrus in a conspiracy to install her son, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (Nero), as the successor to Claudius. According to Tacitus, Burrus owed his promotion as Prefect to Agrippina, who held significant influential powers over Claudius. This allegiance played a significant role in ensuring Nero would be commended as the new Princeps, following Claudius’ death. There is almost unanimous agreement that Agrippina was a conspirator in Claudius’ death, as her thirst for increased power could be satisfied by installing Nero, her son, as Princeps; holding full intentions to act as the proxy ruler of the Empire. These actions taken by Agrippina suggest her understanding of the political role of the Praetorians, further strengthening the argument that succession of a Princeps required the support of the Praetorians. Furthermore, a strong theme recurrent in Claudius’ reign is the actions taken by members of the Julio-Claudian family to appease the Praetorians, furthering the thesis that they held substantial political weight. Early in Nero’s reign as Princeps, the Praetorian Prefect Burrus, and advisor Seneca, both hand-picked by Agrippina, largely administered the Roman Empire. It wasn't until tensions between Agrippina and Nero arose that this arrangement was largely ceased. Nero became an autocratic leader, largely ignoring his advisors. Burrus died some years into Nero’s rule, with his successor named as Tigellinus. Tacitus reports Tigellinus’ corrupting influence over Nero. “Nero found his unending immoralities and evil reputation fascinating”. With such influence, the Praetorian’s reinforced their political grip on the Princeps. Similar to Gaius, Nero began to rule in an eccentric and unorthodox manner, highly disapproved by patricians and Senators. Movements for the removal of the debaucherous Nero began, most notably the Pisonian conspiracy. Furthermore, such events are considered the reasoning behind Nero’s paranoia, shown with the disposal of all possible Julio-Claudian successors; exile and often execution of political foes and military commanders. Eventually, the Praetorians, deeply resentful of the actions of Nero, defected to support Galba as the new Princeps. This is believed to be with support of many key figures in the Roman Senate and military. In conclusion, the Praetorian Guard’s political role was significant in securing the position of Princeps. This was seen especially in terms of Claudius’ and Galba’s succession. Pretorians also held great influential powers on serving Princeps, with an overwhelming suggestion that Princeps were at the mercy of the Praetorians, who had a precedent of undermining or disposing of individuals who posed as an opposition to their interests. This led to an unintended, yet considerable political weight held by Praetorians, especially by the Prefect of the Guard.
... His reforms, as far-reaching as they initially were, were short lived, and were annulled soon after his retirement. He thought that the People, meeting in the Concilium Plebis, were an unrepresentative and irresponsible body unworthy to govern, but he largely failed to infuse a new sense of responsibility to the Senate (Appian in Williams, p.149). Above all, arrangements to control the advancement of men through the Cursus Honorum –the threat from which his own career had so nakedly demonstrated – were clearly inadequate against men of determined ambition (Massie, p. 176). In final analysis, Sulla’s actions as a politician and a military leader, while occasionally bringing him prestige - dignatas, were major factors leading to the subsequent weakening of the Republic.
The Praetorian Guard were the Roman troops whose job it was to protect the Roman emperors. They were upset that Claudius executed Caligula’s assassin without consulting them first. However, Claudius was able to buy back their loyalty and support by providing the Guard with a generous bonus of 15 000 - 20 000 sesterces. By doing this, he established a precedent. However, although Claudius had the support of many, he struggled to gain the support of the Senate.
In the dystopian novel of The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil, the theme is Loss of love. Loss of love is both demonstrated inside the novel and as well it is presented in the real world life where real humans live in. Who knew that in a fiction novel it can seem so real as these situations that are happening in the novel were not made up and were real things happening to the Characters. Just like these situations happening in the novel they are actually happening in the real world today. Loss of love occurs in the novel of The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil through three influential characters; Inner Horinters, Phil, and Carol. The fictional representation of loss is similar to real life situations such as Undocumented Immigrants
It was the senate that gave Augustus his power and many titles, yet he managed to manipulate them from the outset, on 16th January, Octavian was given the title Augustus, the revered one. Augustus wanted to convince the people that he was merely the first citizen at a free community. Augustus form of government is now known as the principate. The roles and responsibilities of the senate 1have amended overtime.
Tiberius Gracchus, the older of the Gracchi brothers, though was motivated by a genuine concern for the welfare of Rome, his reformist ideas and actions (and the events surrounding these) ultimately contributed to the decline of the Republic. The most significant of Tiberius’ reforms was the idea of redistributing land in an attempt to recruit the army. This was because according to [], “traditionally, legionary soldiers were recruited among men who possessed some land.” This fact is also verified by Koutsoukis, who wrote that “the recruitment area for the nation’s army shrank alarmingly” and also that “there was a rapid rise in unemployment”. This all would have been a result of “prolonged campaigning overseas”...
Philosopher A: In the Republic, the Senate was the primary branch of the Roman government and held the majority of the political power. It controlled funds, administration and foreign policy, and had significant influence of the everyday life of the Roman people. When Augustus came to power, he kept the Senate and they retained their legal position. The Emperor’s rule was legitimized by the senate as he needed the senators experience to serve as administrators, diplomats and generals. Although technically the most authoritative individual in Rome, Augustus strived to embody Republican values. He wanted to relate and connect to all parts of society including Plebeians. Through generosity and less extravagance, Augustus achieved a connection with the common people.
...ion this all showed that style of governing and ruling an empire started a century long pattern of events that eventually lead to the fall and destruction of the old oligarchy led by the Senate. The combination of desire for personal gain and glory of a politician or general was what weakened the Roman customs and the Senate. This was a cycle among the Senate, to find themselves stuck in a problem and to find others to fix with of course military means but in turn make everything more corrupt with their disruptive practices such as Pompey and Julius Caesar. But they were not the only ones there were others who were to blame for causing such decay and corruption such as Marius, Sulla, Gaius and Tiberius Gracchus. They were the ones who kept this corruption cycle going and it was Augustus Caesar who finally broke the cycle and brought stability and order back to Rome.
Following the successful side of Julius Caesar leadership, Augustus hosted many games and other measures such as ensuring the Gods were frequently celebrated. Augustus made sure the water supply was improved, and public baths had been put in place, these acts kept society happy and gained Augustus’s popularity. To please the people and allow for peace, Augustus never claimed the title of “Emperor” or “King” as they were part of the reason for his uncle’s downfall. Augustus took the name of “Princeps” instead, which was a much safer and smarter option. Augustus received high office via the Senate and was also the head of Rome’s religious and political affairs. After many years of civil riots, Augustus was able to deliver peace and prosperity to Roman society and allowed for the 200 years of Pax Romana. Augustus could have put his power to use in an evil and self-serving way, but instead, he was generous with all of the society including
With the problems starting with the dissolution of the first triumvirate and the actions of Julius Caesar, it seemed almost inevitable that the Republic would become an Empire. With the death of the true republican, Cicero, and many not remembering what the republic was like, giving power to the capable and honorable man seemed as if the best answer. Furthermore, if the Rome continue to remain a Republic the Senate could not have maintained the success or power that the Empire held. The ambition of one man made it easy to continue the growth whereas, many of the policies and disputes the country faced had face might have taken to long or complicated had the republic
The transition from Bodyguard to Political Power gave the Praetorian Guard a sense of power, especially the Praetorian Prefects Most of the infamous stories surrounding the Praetorian Guards assassinating their emperors are in fact only about a few guards following a very ambitious Praetorian Prefect. Praetorian Prefects usually do not serve with Praetorian’s before taking command.
He agreed, making a tactical decision to return power to the Senate, subsequently abandoning his control of the provinces and the armies. However, his troops remained loyal to him and his financial power remained unrivaled throughout the Roman Republic. Once again, the Senate proclaimed Augustus a victor of civil wars, and he resumed command of the provinces as well as the armies. This made him the overall leader and figurehead since he was a powerful political
In the early first century AD, the Roman Empire was subject to autocratic rule and the old Republic was long dead. Augustus had been ruling for forty years and most of that time he was loved and praised by the Senate and the people of Rome. Throughout his reign, Augustus had the one lingering problem of finding a successor to take over the role of Emperor. He had chosen 3 different heirs in his time of rule; however, they all passed before they had the chance to inherit Augustus’ esteemed power. His fourth choice, Tiberius, was the one to succeed Augustus.
The patricians, who consisted of the noble and elite of ancient Rome, were able to hold the highest seats in the government. The highest of these were the consuls. Two consuls were chosen annually and administered the government and led the Roman army into battle (The Roman Republic p 117). These consuls were chosen from the senate, a group of 300 elected patricians. The consuls remained in Rome, unless there was an emergency, in which case they would resign and assign a dictator with unlimited power to run the state. Consuls would have had the power to use as much of the public money that they wanted, along with bringing foreign ambassadors to the senate, summon meetings and bring proposals on matters that may require authorization from the people. The consuls had all of the power, with every other tribune under them and following orders.
This new Republican government, which was administered by the consuls, was not the easiest to transform. Because of the expansion in Italy, the government began to initiate political institutions. These institutions enforced laws and provided authority which were very similar to imperium. “The Romans had a clear concept of executive authority, embodied in their word imperium, or “the right to command” (Spielvogel 117). Since the Romans were very sensible in their actions, they made and implemented them only as needed. The most essential positions held were the few elected magistrates and the two consuls who were “chosen annually, administered the government and led the Roman army into battle” (Spielvogel 117). If the consul was otherwise occupied, either a dictator or praetor would assume responsibility for the time being.
The Roman Republic was founded in 509 BC after the ruling Tarquins abused their extensive power as monarchs and were overthrown. The goal of the Roman Republic was to have a strong government, governed equally by the patricians and the plebians, and to avoid another Roman Monarchy. For years Rome was guided by great men, such as Cincinnatus and Scipio Africanus, who led the Republic through hard times, conquering such enemies as the Etruscans and the Carthaginians. Large-scale war united Roman society in its common goals. However, after Scipio’s victory at Zama in 202 BC, a new Roman world began to take shape. Roman soldiers returned home from their victory to find that they could not pay for their farms, becoming “squatters” on their own lands after having to sell them to richer men. The Senate became corrupted, and despite the Gracchi brothers’ best efforts, the rich patricians soon monopolized nearly all aspects of the Republic, from trading and “farming” to governing the people. After marching on Rome, Sulla became dictator in 82 BC. After Sulla, the First Triumvirate: Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar, owned virtually all power in Rome, yet each had his own desire to defeat the other two and become Emperor. When Crassus died in battle, Caesar had his chance. He defeated Pompey and marched on Rome, victorious. After declaring himself Dictator for Life, Caesar was assassinated, and another Civ...