ABSTRACT

In 31 BC Caesar’s adopted son, Caesar Octavianus-upon whom a few years later was bestowed the honorific ‘Augustus’, the venerable-became the sole ruler of the Roman Realm. From then and until his death in 14 AD, he laid the groundwork for the Roman Empire; in reality Rome became a monarchy. Augustus was probably one of the most effective pragmatists in political history. Economically and militarily independent of the Senate, he dextrously arrogated the real power to himself while at the same time ostensibly protecting the old constitution and its institutions. By a combination of conservatism and reform politics he brought about social stability and order in the administration of the provinces-two of the fundamental problems during the last days of the Republic. First and foremost he provided the Roman Empire with internal and external peace-a peace that was to last for 200 years.