Europeans constantly referenced Rome as an ideal throughout the Middle Ages-perhaps in envy. There was almost a constant inferiority complex about the ideal of Rome.
Rome is many faceted as well.
Some visions of Rome are that they were simultaneously brutal occupiers, but they brought peace, cultural, and institutional progress.
"The Pax Romana"-The Roman Peace:
there was two decades of peace in Rome called the Pax Romana, and it was a flourishing, artistic culture with an expanded and integrated economy.
*It is important to note that most of Rome's expansion came while it was a Republic and not under Emperor rule.
Octavian--Augustus Caesar (BC 27-AD 14)
Caesar established a constitutional monarchy (rule by one person) and defeated his enemies.
He put new responsibilities on the Senate, established himself as the Princeps Civitatis (first citizen of the state)
He got the Senate to vote him all power of the tribunes, only he could call Senate sessions and present legislations
He also appointed himself Pontifex Maximus (chief priest), the head of the Army which was called the Imperator (commander-in-chief)
He established an all volunteer army with colonies of soldiers sent to far flung areas of the empire-they were the spreaders of culture
He was also a pragmatist-even though he consolidated his own power, it was largely to Rome's benefit
He was celebrated for bringing peace to Rome
*Caesar's form of Government (firm monarch rule) is only as effective as its leader--what happens if you have someone incompetent or not for the common good??
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