Did Augustus restore the republic - scholarly opinions

Suetonius

he considers restoring the republic - ultimately decides to retain power due to his own health concerns + the ‘security of the state‘

Paterculus

believes the republic was restored

• agriculture inc

• respect for religion inc

• mankind was free from anxiety

Octavian was obliged to hold consecutive consulship

But stubbornly refused the dictatorship - ‘which the people persistently offered him‘

• he owed Augustus for his position in society - made praetor by Augustus = biased

Tactius

The republic was restored

• proclaiming himself ‘simple consul‘

• conciliated the army by gratuities

• cheapened corn

he had no opposition, basically the last man standing

(allowing him to still hold lots of power)

Tom Holland

• he resigned his formal powers BUT still kept all the power without the title

• creates the illusion of giving up power

• describes Romes people like captive tigers in a well padded zoo

  • creates the illusion is free and safe

  • but in reality tamed and imprisoned

Andrew Wallace - Hadrill

Actium marks the end of the republic

• a turning point which marks Octavian’s transformation of Rome

• he attempts to create a new system by restoring the old one

  • paradoxical image

Adrian Goldsworthy

• its a charade handing over power to the senate

  • was immediately given it back

• very similar to Caesar but smart to avoid dictatorship

  • instead takes title of divi fillus + builds monuments honouring himself

  • far surpassing anything celebrating JC in his lifetime