Questions about Constitutional reforms of Augustus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the constitutional reforms of Augustus?
The constitutional reforms of Augustus were a series of laws enacted between 30 BC and 2 BC that transformed the Constitution of the Roman Republic into the Constitution of the Roman Empire. Through successive settlements and grants of power, Augustus accumulated the authority of consul, tribune, high priest, and military commander while maintaining the outward forms of republican governance.
What title did Augustus receive in 27 BC and what did it mean?
In 27 BC, on the motion of L. Munatius Plancus, he was granted the honorific cognomen Augustus, giving him the full name Imperator Caesar divi filius Augustus. The name Augustus meant "the illustrious" or "the majestic" and carried religious authority, associating him with Rome's oldest traditions without suggesting the autocracy of the title rex.
What was the tribunicia potestas and why did Augustus prefer it?
The tribunicia potestas, or tribunician power, allowed Augustus to propose laws to the Senate, veto any legislation, and grant amnesty to any citizen accused of crime. Augustus favoured it because the tribunate carried popular connotations from the republican tradition, making it acceptable to the aristocracy even as it gave him effective legislative supremacy.
Who was the last person outside Augustus's family to receive a Roman triumph?
Lucius Cornelius Balbus was the last man outside Augustus's family to receive a triumph, in 19 BC. After that, the monopoly on triumphs passed entirely to Augustus, with only his stepson Tiberius receiving one, for victories in Germania in 7 BC.
When did Augustus become pontifex maximus?
Augustus assumed the position of pontifex maximus on the 6th of March 12 BC, following the death of Lepidus. The pontifex maximus was the high priest of the College of Pontiffs and the most important religious office in Rome.
What title did the Roman Senate give Augustus on 5 February 2 BC?
On the 5th of February 2 BC, the Roman Senate granted Augustus the title pater patriae, meaning "father of the country." This honour marked the formal end of the period of constitutional reforms that had begun after the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.