Augustus Caesarism

From Heterodontosaurus Balls

I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus

Augustus Caesarism is a branch and sub-ideology of Caesarism. It represents the thoughts and ideology of Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Roman Empire.

The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult, as well as an era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta) in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. Augustus Caesarism emphasizes strong centralized leadership, extensive reforms to stabilize and strengthen the state, and a blend of military prowess with diplomatic skill.

History & Life of Augustus

Before the Empire

Augustus, born Gaius Octavius Thurinus in 63 BC, was the adopted heir of his great-uncle and became his adoptive father, who was Julius Caesar himself. Caesar was brutally murdered when Augustus was only 18 years old. After his assassination in 44 BC, Augustus, then known as Octavian, formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus to defeat Caesar's assassins. Following their victory, internal conflicts arose, leading to Augustus defeating Mark Antony and his ally Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Behind the scenes, Augustus built support in the Senate,having himself elected consul along with his most trusted lieutenant, Marcus Agrippa. By 27 BC, Octavian had consolidated power, and the Senate granted him the title Augustus, marking the beginning of his reign as the first Roman emperor.

Beginnings of the Empire

In 27 BC, the Roman Empire was founded. Octavian, later known as Augustus, is granted the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Augustus became the first Roman emperor, and he wasted little time cementing Julius Caesar’s legacy by having him officially proclaimed a god, and in doing so embracing the title “Son of the Divine Julius”.

Augustus implemented a series of political, military, and social reforms to stabilize and strengthen the empire. These include reorganizing the army, establishing the Praetorian Guard, and reforming the tax system. Even as he tightened his fists around the reins of power, Augustus nodded to the idea of preserving the Roman Republic, which had been beset by decades of civil war. He instilled law and order, establishing competent police and fire brigades. Augustus gave the populace supplies of free food, celebrated lavish public games and befriended prominent writers such as Horace and Virgil, ensuring complimentary accounts of his reign. Augustus reformed the Senate by reducing its size and ensuring that it was filled with loyal supporters, but he allowed it to continue functioning as an important part of the Roman government.

In 25 BC, the Roman Empire annexed the region of Galatia, which is located in modern-day central Turkey, following the death of Galatia‘s ruler, king Amyntas of Galatia. After King Amyntas' death, Galatia became a Roman province, and this annexation was part of Augustus's broader efforts to consolidate and expand the Roman Empire.

Middle Reign

In 20 BC, diplomatic negotiations led to the return of the Roman standards (basically symbols like flags) that had been lost by Crassus at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC (the losing of standards in battle is considered very disgraceful, while recovering them is very honorable). This was indeed a significant diplomatic victory for Augustus and acted effectively as a propaganda tool.

Augustus continued the policy of resettling veterans in colonies throughout the empire, including regions such as Spain, Gaul, and the Balkans. This practice served multiple purposes: it rewarded soldiers for their service, reduced the likelihood of unrest by providing veterans with land and opportunities, and helped to Romanize and stabilize the provinces by establishing loyal Roman communities in strategic locations.

In 18 BC, Augustus enacted the Julian Laws on Morality, which included the Lex Julia de Maritandis Ordinibus and the Lex Julia de Adulteriis. These laws were part of Augustus's broader efforts to restore traditional Roman family values and strengthen the moral fabric of Roman society, promoting marriage and giving harsh penalties to anyone who committed adultery. In 17 BC, Augustus celebrated the Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) to mark the beginning of a new saeculum (era).

In the year of 13 Before Christ, the Senate commissioned the Ara Pacis to celebrate Augustus‘s return from his campaigns in Hispania and Gaul and to honor the peace he had established. The Ara Pacis was completed and consecrated in 9 BC.

In 12 BC, the Theater of Marcellus, one of the largest and most impressive theaters in Rome, is completed and inaugurated by Augustus. Also in 12 BC, Augustus became the Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest of the Roman state religion. This position further consolidated his religious and political authority, allowing him to exert significant influence over Roman religious practices and integrate religious leadership with his political power. This move was part of Augustus's broader strategy to centralize authority and legitimize his rule by holding both political and religious offices.

Late Reign & Death of Augustus

In 2 BC, Augustus was awarded the title "Pater Patriae" (Father of the Country) by the Roman Senate. This honorary title was given in recognition of his significant contributions to the stability, prosperity, and restoration of Rome following the turmoil of the late Republic. It highlighted Augustus's role as a unifying and paternal figure for the Roman state.

In AD 4, Augustus formally adopted Tiberius as his son and heir. Along with this adoption, Tiberius was granted tribunician power for ten years, which was a significant step in preparing him for succession. This move was part of Augustus' careful planning to ensure a smooth transition of power and stability for the Roman Empire. Tiberius' tribunician power gave him significant authority, reinforcing his position as Augustus's chosen successor.

In AD 6, a significant revolt broke out in the Roman province of Pannonia. The rebellion required extensive military campaigns to suppress and was one of the more serious challenges to Roman authority during Augustus's reign. In AD 13, Augustus extended Tiberius’ powers, granting him maius imperium (greater authority), which further solidified Tiberius’ position as his successor.

Augustus died on August 19, 14 AD, in Nola. His stepson Tiberius succeeds him as emperor. Augustus is deified by the Roman Senate, and the Julio-Claudian Dynasty continues under Tiberius.

Trivia

  • In the Bible, Augustus was the one who orders the census in Jesus’s birth story.

Relations

Friends

Enemies

  • Parliamentarianism - Restore the Republic? Maybe... No, I don’t think so. You're useless to me now that a have total power.
  • Guild Socialism - A dissolution of the structures that uphold the greatness of a state. A people without hierarchy or property will fall to chaos, for who will lead, who will strive, and who will sacrifice for the good of the whole?

How to draw

Flag with Augustus symbolism

Augustus Caesarism has a drawing rating of intermediate.

  1. Draw a ball.
  2. Fill it with purple.
  3. Draw black inverted triangle in the center
  4. Add a yellow parliament building in the middle
  5. Add a yellowish-greenish olive wreath on the ball’s head
  6. Add eyes yuor done!
Color Name HEX
Purple #5F0F68
Black #000000
Yellow #F9A300

Gallery

See Also