Reforms of Emperor Augustus in Ancient Rome
Roman Peace and Prosperity Following Republican Decline
Feb 13, 2009
Augustus’ rise to power followed his successful defeat of Marcus Antony and Egypt’s Cleopatra, ending a lengthy period of civil wars that transformed the Roman Republic into the Pax Augustus or Pax Romana. Although viewing himself as the “first man of the state,” Augustus maneuvered political control through the established orders, like the Senate, in order to conform to an authoritarian model. The first “emperor," Augustus supported traditional Roman government while redirecting responsibilities, as with the Senate. His reforms were many and far reaching, creating a state representing stability and prosperity.
Social and Political Reforms
According to Suetonius, Augustus once remarked, “I found Rome built of bricks; I leave her clothed in marble.” Augustus rebuilt the Forum which featured the Temple of Mars the Avenger, one of his greatest building achievements. Suetonius mentions of particular note the Palatine Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Jupiter built on the Capitoline Hill. Additionally, Augustus, often paying for such projects himself, restored many of the old temples. A traditionalist, he revived ancient rites and religious ceremonies from the early days of the Republic.
Augustus created a police force within Rome as well as a fire brigade. Although previous leaders of note had retained body guards, Augustus developed the Praetorian Guard, a professional group of nine cohorts charged with his protection. Strategic deployment of an army of reduced legions following the end of the civil wars as well as the use of local troops in loyal client states protected the rest of the empire.
The Marriage Law was a reflection of Augustus’ personal morality, influenced perhaps by his efforts to bring back the spirit of Rome’s traditional past. Marriage was the mandatory norm, having children was encouraged, and adultery punished. Augustus exiled his own daughter and grand-daughter for adultery, although, as Suetonius details, he was not above extra marital affairs himself.
The Roman Senate was reduced back to 600 men, eliminating the incompetent, “men fit for slaves,” as Tiberius declared. For long periods of his reign, Augustus exercised his role as Consul, standing for reelection and guiding the body. No longer directly involved in foreign matters, the chief responsibility of the Senate was administrative. The man who had purged the Senate following the assassination of Julius Caesar now allowed free debate, even to the point of vocal criticism of his policies. He had learned from the experience of Julius Caesar.
The Military Reforms of Augustus
Decreasing the legions to 28, Augustus eventually reformed the military into a professional force manned by soldiers and officers that made such service a career, to be rewarded upon discharge with a bounty paid out of a separate treasury system set up by Augustus. While regular legionnaires weren’t married, generals were and Augustus provided for ample home leave so that they could be with their families.
Discipline was strict. When a particular legion engaged in riotous behavior that including criticism of Augustus, every tenth man was executed. Augustus deplored “haste and recklessness.” After learning of the utter destruction of three legions commanded by Varus in Germany, Augustus flew into a rage, beating his head on a door, shouting, “Quinctilus Varus, give me back my legions!” (Suetonius)
Legacy of Augustus
The empire after Augustus was linked with thousands of miles of roads. Commerce and trade flourished. Augustus was hailed as the pater patriae, the father of the country. Although there were attempts to deify him in life, notably by certain Greeks, they were rebuffed by Augustus. In death, however, he became the divine Augustus, perhaps the greatest of the emperors.
Sources:
Mart T. Boatwright, Daniel J. Gargola, and Richard J. A. Talbert, The Romans From Village To Empire: A History of Ancient Rome from Earliest Times to Constantine (Oxford University Press, 2004).
Michael Grant, History of Rome (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1978) see chapter 13.
Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Books, 1984).
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