Ok. Maintaining the position:
Propaganda:
- Augustus used propaganda to keep the people happy, and maintain the concept that the republic was still in existence. He did this by installing statues of 28 noble republican Romans in his forum, and adding himself on at the end, making him appear as a continuation of the line. Vitellius states that "the pristine form of the republic was recalled as old" indicating his success in this area.
- Although pax romana was primarily a reform, it became a powerful propaganda tool because it made the people extremely happy. Augustus thus played on this, and demonstrated this peace in tangible/visible ways... such as closing the doors to the temple of Janus. (God of war) Horace states that "a god brought us this peace."
- The tenple to Mars Ultor was a good example of building propaganda. Mars was known as the avnger, and by building a temple to him within his forum, Augsutus was reminding the people of how he had avenged the death of Julius Caesar.
- The res gestae is a literary example... It highlights all the wonderful things Augustus has done.
Propaganda does not politically assist Augustus in the maintenance of his position, but it serves to keep the people happy, which prevents uproar. It also increases his auctoritas, which is the primary reason that people do what he asks them to.
Senatorial decree:
- Augustus ensures that all his power is officially handed to him by the senate.
- this occurs at the first and second settlements. The senate virtually gives Augustus the power of a dictator. The formation of the Senatorial Standing Committee is important here, because it aloows Augustus to test the watres of the senate before he suggests any new policies, etc. It is especially important before the escond settlement, because Augustus can go into the second settlement with a fair amount of confidence that he will receive more positions than those he is surrendering. Thus manipulation of the senate also becomes important... and remember that he has already held census, and eliminated all those who may have opposed him.
Keeping the people happy:
- Tacitus states that Augutus' "Cheap food policy was successful bait for civilians."
- maintaining the facade of the republic.
- Pax romana.
- Games. Juvanal states that the people require "panem et circenses" (Bread and games)
Efficient and smooth administration:
- The establishment of the equestrian class is important, because they were extremely efficient in administration. this meant that the empire was running more smoothly than when the senatorial class were in charge of administration. The senators were also pleased because they no longer had to do the work...
- you could also talk about reforms under this heading if you have time... building, religious, social, moral, etc.
Auctoritas:
- this is probably the key concept in his maintenance of power, because it is the single "power"(For want of a better word) that he uses to get people to do what he wants them to. He very rarely has to use force, he just uses influence.
Gaining the position:
- the first and second settlements. A brief discussion on what each power was, and what it meant for him.
- tribunicia potestas is important, because it makes him the "tribune of thepeople' This was an honour that was previously only awarded to the plebeain class. he recognised its importance with the people, and numbered the years of his reign by the years of his tribunician powers.
- MIP gives him power in all the provinces, which means that he effectively has control of ALL the armed forces- the twenty stationed in his own provinces AND the eight stationed in the senatorial provinces, which he now has the ability to interfere with.
That;s about all I can remember straight off... if you still need more information, I can find it. A lot is in Scullard as well.
