4.2

Overview of the Roman Emperor

• The lecture focuses on the Roman emperor as an office.

• Key emperors include Augustus, the first emperor, and Vespasian.

• Exploration of the legitimacy and political systems during the imperial period (1st few centuries CE).

Constitutional Legitimacy of the Emperor

• Transition from Republic to Empire

  • The rule of emperors emerged from the Republican system.

  • The emperor functions alongside this system, leading to a complex political structure.

• Absence of a Formal Constitution

  • No written rules detailing the emperor's powers.

  • Lex de Imperio Vespasiani: A key document provided by the Senate around 70 CE.

    • Lists powers granted to Vespasian by the senate, including:

      • Making treaties.

      • Controlling the Senate’s agenda.

      • Summoning extraordinary sessions.

      • Endorsing candidates for elections.

    • Emphasizes that the emperor is not bound by laws, indicating a monarchy 'above law.'

• Republican Structure with Monarchical Power

  • Appearance of continuity in the Republican majesty, with elections and officials still present.

  • Practical reality shows an imperial monarchy with a powerful emperor.

  • The transition into later centuries sees the emperor's power becoming more overt, reducing the functional power of the Senate.

Dynamics of Power and Legitimacy

• Emperorship and Senate Relationship

  • While the Senate continues to exist, emperors gain and maintain legitimacy through:

    • Recognition from the Senate.

    • Favor from the military and its generals.

• Role of Military in Legitimacy

  • Emperors rely on military support for maintaining power.

  • Military leaders often become challengers for the throne or potential emperors.

The Imperial Cult and Religious Legitimacy

• Introduction to the Imperial Cult

  • Emperors become central figures in a new religious practice, common in Hellenistic kingdoms.

  • Temples erected for the worship of emperors, exemplified by:

    • The temple in Pula dedicated to Augustus.

    • Coins depicting emperors as divine (e.g., the divine Augustus).

• Cultural Variations across the Empire

  • In the West, emperors venerated posthumously, while in the East, they were often worshiped during their reign.

  • The cult acts as a means for subjects to demonstrate loyalty and receive benefits.

Dynastic Rule and Stability

• Significance of Family Connections

  • Dynasties create a semblance of stability amidst political chaos.

  • Example of Augustus’s line continuing through Tiberius to Nero ensured smoother transitions.

• Summer of Civil War

  • Lack of heirs results in instability, as seen in the year 69 CE with multiple claimants to the throne.

    • The events ultimately lead to the rise of Vespasian and the establishment of a new dynasty.

Women's Role in Dynastic Stability

• Increased visibility and importance of women in politics under imperial rule.

• Coinage reflecting women's roles, such as mothers of emperors, highlights family stability.

Key Takeaways

• Monarchy's acceptance can be attributed to maintaining republican frameworks.

• Emperors leverage both image and political alliances to secure power.

• The duality of showing both divine-like authority while upholding republican symbols remains a vital feature of the imperial system.