In 27 B.C.E., Octavian became the sole ruler of Rome and its provinces. He not only transformed the entire Roman state, but established peace and prosperity as well. Octavian’s rule is considered to be controversial due to his unconventional and delusory method of leading the Roman people; however, I believe that the restoration of the republic wouldn 't have happened had it not been for Octavian’s approach. First off, Octavian’s success wouldn’t have been so tremendous had it not been for the complete disintegration of the Roman republic prior to his rule. Before discussing Octavian’s bid for power, one must consider the status of the Roman political situation prior to Octavian. Before Octavian, the Roman people had the First Triumvirate,
…show more content…
When Octavian began his political career, he was eighteen with absolutely no experience; however, by 27 B.C.E., Octavian had fledged a full “Restoration of the Republic”. The Senate even honorably changed Octavian’s name to Augustus, meaning “the illustrious one”. Augustus ruled differently than everyone before him by manipulating the political system and disguising the monarchy, thus restoring the republic. “Augustus’s system retained traditional institutions for sharing power - the Senate, the consuls, the courts - but in reality he and his successors governed like kings ruling an empire.” Although it may have been unfair to trick the Roman people, Augustus’s rule was incredibly successful and brought on peace (The Pax Romana). One could even argue that Augustus’s trickery was even necessary due to how disastrous the situation was when Caesar declared himself sole ruler of Rome. The republic needed this manipulation of the political system in order for Augustus to fix it properly. Along with bringing peace to Rome and according to the Res Gestae, otherwise known as the Deed’s of the Divine Augustus, Augustus’s achievements include, but are not limited to, the revival of Rome, successful control of military affairs and the administration of the empire, prosperous social programs, and economic change. Augustus’s irregular way of ruling proved to be fruitful, making him an outstanding ruler that really transformed the Roman Empire. Although some may say that Augustus’s manipulation of the political system was unconventional, he was a successful ruler and positively commanded Rome, proving that the Romans made the right decision by accepting Augustus’s
When Octavian began his political career, he was eighteen with absolutely no experience; however, by 27 B.C.E., Octavian had fledged a full “Restoration of the Republic”. The Senate even honorably changed Octavian’s name to Augustus, meaning “the illustrious one”. Augustus ruled differently than everyone before him by manipulating the political system and disguising the monarchy, thus restoring the republic. “Augustus’s system retained traditional institutions for sharing power - the Senate, the consuls, the courts - but in reality he and his successors governed like kings ruling an empire.” Although it may have been unfair to trick the Roman people, Augustus’s rule was incredibly successful and brought on peace (The Pax Romana). One could even argue that Augustus’s trickery was even necessary due to how disastrous the situation was when Caesar declared himself sole ruler of Rome. The republic needed this manipulation of the political system in order for Augustus to fix it properly. Along with bringing peace to Rome and according to the Res Gestae, otherwise known as the Deed’s of the Divine Augustus, Augustus’s achievements include, but are not limited to, the revival of Rome, successful control of military affairs and the administration of the empire, prosperous social programs, and economic change. Augustus’s irregular way of ruling proved to be fruitful, making him an outstanding ruler that really transformed the Roman Empire. Although some may say that Augustus’s manipulation of the political system was unconventional, he was a successful ruler and positively commanded Rome, proving that the Romans made the right decision by accepting Augustus’s