Augustus' Settlements

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What Role did the Settlements of 27BC and 23BC play in the Establishment of Augustus’ Principate? The settlements of 27BC and 23BC played a crucial role in the establishment of Augustus’ Principate as they secured Augustus’ power and ensured his continuing influence over the people. Augustus used various political strategies to gain control in Rome, and the support of the people; for example, the renunciation of his powers. These strategies, used appropriately resulted in Augustus’ gaining supreme power in diverse areas such as military and in the provinces ultimately founding his ongoing Principate. Having created the Triumvirate and successfully bringing peace to Rome after the civil war, Augustus had already had a significant impact upon the city, especially considering the expected maturity typical of Rome’s leaders (Shotter). The positive attitudes of the people and the senate from this Pax Augusta can be seen as enduring in the Ara Pacis frieze created by the Senate in honour of Augustus’ achievements in 9BC. In 27BC in order to legitimise his position, Augustus successfully gained the support of the Senate and the people by strategically surrendering his powers which were returned almost instantly, as stated in the Res Gestae. This demonstrated the Senate’s recognition of Augustus’ military importance, and faith in his authority over his rivals which would prove vital to the establishment of his Principate. The settlement of 27BC can be considered a decisive event in the development of Augustus’ Principate. This settlement commenced his rule as ‘first citizen’, as well as granting him the title of ‘Augustus’ and being awarded consul for life. The status awarded to Augustus in this settlement of the most importance was the ten year Proconsular-Imperium in those areas of the Empire requiring military defense, such as Spain, Gaul and Egypt. This power

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