Lesson 50 Assignment – What was the Augustan Settlement?

The Augustan Settlement was a compromise between the institutions of the Roman Republic and the first Emperor Octavian, later given the title Augustus (Meaning Revered one) for him to rule Rome for an extended period of time. It began with the victory of Octavian over General Mark Antony, which finally gave Rome years of stability and peace after more than century of civil war.  He was a shrewd ruler who came to compromise with the different sectors of the population who sought reform, and those who were more conservative and wished to preserve the republican traditions. He knew that ruling as a dictator would not be popular among many Romans, yet he knew that a unified military would be needed to preserve the peace. He left intact all traditional political offices, but maintained control of them through three powers. These powers were his status as life tribune, the benefit of imperium override of any provincial governor (he could override any of their decisions), and the status of “princeps senates”, leader of the senate. The Roman population lived sort of happily under Augustus, he was a virtuous man who ruled Rome and restored old traditions, enforcing moral virtues and unity in marriage for example, giving harsh penalties for adultery and those who divorced. Of course not all was sunshine, all the stability was maintained thanks to him ruling with an iron fist and having control of virtually every single institution in Rome. He faced no opposition because he would persecute them, and the only way to get a significant role in political office was by complete obedience to him and his doctrine. The new military structure was so costly, he had to raise taxes, which burdened the average individual heavily and caused plenty of revolts. This military was subsidized with 50% of the budget, a record number that no country has surpassed to this day. He died in AD 14 at the age of 75, most likely of natural causes.