Augustus Wealth In Roman Government

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Augustus paid lip service to many of the Republican institutions in the Roman government, with the main institution being the Senate in my opinion. This could be in fact due to the ability of the Senators power to overthrow him if they were in a disagreement of some sort. The generosities Augustus lists in the Res Gestae points to the many times he gifts the populace and the soldiers of Rome. One could deduce how Augustus more or less flaunts his power and money to try and gain the favor of the people, without actually caring what they may think. Gifting the soldiers keeps them in high morale and respect for his authority, so as to be willing to go to battle under any condition Augustus sees fit. Also though, in number 18 of the Res Gestae, Augustus helps pay taxes with grain and money for those that needed help.…show more content…
Augustus seems to rule with his wealth and influence over the people, and those in government positions. In my opinion he is more focused on keeping the Aristocracy happy, for as according to Crone in her examination of pre-industrial societies, the holders of wealth are the key to maintaining leadership and order. Michael Haukaas made an excellent statement as well saying “Himself being wealthy is not enough, as evidence by the war following the death of his father at the hands of Brutus et all”. This statement shows how Augustus also had control over the soldiers as well as the power of his wealth. Just like the podcasts mentioned, Augustus was a powerful man due to his financial stability and the fact that he had made a lot of loyal and close friends with the men of elite

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