Augustus Caesarism
Augustus Caesarism is a branch of Caesarism. It represents the thoughts and ideology of Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Roman Empire.
Augustus Caesarism emphasizes strong centralized leadership, extensive reforms to stabilize and strengthen the state, and a blend of military prowess with diplomatic skill.
History
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. Augustus implements 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. 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.
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 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 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 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.