ABSTRACT
‘I acquired complete control of affairs by universal consent’, Augustus proclaims in the record of his achievements which stood before his mausoleum. This description of the period following his successful termination of the Civil Wars is followed by an account of the golden shield proclaiming his virtues, which was given to him, along with other honours, by the Senate and People when the constitutional arrangements of 28/7 Bc were introduced. Augustus’ original ascendancy then was justified by his victory in the Civil Wars, its continuance by his meritorious performance while in control. If the position he had carved out for himself was to continue, who had a right to it?
