A Study On The Evolution Of Octavian's Political Identity

Octavian was one of the most important politicians of the late Roman republic as well as the first principate of the Roman empire.A clear understanding of Octavian's different roles in the complex political situation will help to explore the deep reasons for the transformation of the Roman republic into the Roman empire.This paper is divided into six parts:In the foreword,summarize the reason of choosing the topic briefly and analyzes the historical literatures about Octavian.First chapter discusses the evolution of entered politics Octavian's political identity.Through interpretation of Octavian's relationship with other political figures and the senate,it can be seen that Octavian's political rise depends on its identity as the heir of dictator Julius Caesar.Whereby he got financial support from Caesar's friends,political support from civilians and military support from the army.On this basis Octavian became Pro-praetor and Consul and obtained the highest political power of the Roman republic.The second chapter discusses the evolution of Octavian's political identity in the second triumviral period.Through interpretation of Octavian's relationship with the other triumvir,it can be seen that Octavian's political position was not invariable at this time.In the beginning of the second triumviral period due to the fact that Octavian's strength in a relatively weak position.So he relied on the political prestige and military strength of the triumvir to maintain his autocratic rule.But in the latter part of the second triumviral period,as Octavian's political position was consolidated,he began to emphasize more his status as the son of the divine Julius and the victorious general and intended to establish his authority on the basis of public opinion.The third chapter discusses the evolution of Octavian's political identity during the civil war.By explaining the means of obtaining power at this time,it can be seen that Octavian had his own political party.And on this basis he became fetialis,dux and Consul and obtained the power of declaring war and commanding the army.By defeating Antony Octavian finally established his unshakable ruling authority.The fourth chapter discusses the evolution of Octavian's political identity in the political consolidation period.At this time Octavian exercised his power through the Roman traditional power from consul,imperium and supervision.And he highlighted his ruling authority through the title of Princeps Senatus and Augustus.So far Octavian became the founder of the Roman principate system.However Octavian did not monopolize all political power.He governed the state with the senate.Therefore the essence of the principate system at this time was that aristocracy co-governance with Augustus as the Princeps,and senators and eques as the core.Conclusion: Octavian's success was largely attributed to the environment of The Times.With the expansion of the empire,the national situation changed.Various social,economic and political conflicts brought by the external expansion broke outwithin the Roman state,which triggered a century-long turmoil.This leads to the moral chaos so that the laws depend on force.It was on this basis that Octavian eventually established his authority by the support of army and party and maintained his prerogative as Princeps Senatus and Augustus during the post-war reconstruction process.Thus freed from the strife among its citizens,Rome obtained peace and principality.