Caesar's Reign as Roman Emperor
Caesar's Reign as Roman Emperor
Gaius Julius Caesar, a patrician and noble, became one of the most powerful men in Ancient Roman history. Caesar was a populare1, and eventually became the people's hero. His leadership qualities gained him the consulship of 59 B.C., and eventually perpetual dictatorship. Caesar's acquired power soon became immense, and soon the ruling class began to fear his power. This wealth of power brought back images of the ruthless Roman monarchy, abolished centuries before, in 510 B.C. Caesar presided over the military, politics and religion; it allowed him to virtually control Rome. And, it was eventually Caesar's power which led to his demise on the Ides Of March in 44BC.
CAESAR'S POWER
Caesar gained power in three main areas which dominated Roman life. He acquired power in politics and the government, in religion2, and in the military3. Using his power in these posts, his established a form of rule through which he could control many aspects of Roman life.
On July 25th, 46B.C., Julius Caesar secured the office of Dictator4 for ten years. It was here, that Caesar found his power to preside over others, and where he became passionately hated by the Roman ruling class. As dictator, Caesar had secured the power of an absolute ruler. Earlier that year, he had been given Censorial powers, as the 'Director Of Public Morals' (praefectura morum)5. The dictatorship now meant that he had the powers of all the other offices in the Cursus Honorum.6
Caesar wanted to make reforms to improve life in Rome. However, he needed the Senate's help to pass legislation. The Senate had been one of the main problems for Caesar's predecessors. They had obstructed the passage of laws which would have benefited the state. However, Caesar was determined to not be presided over by the Senate. The civil war against Pompey had taken a toll on the Senate. Many of Pompey's supporters who were Senators, had been killed in battle. In addition, Caesar had increased the number of Senators from five to six hundred, to about nine hundred. To fill the vacant seats, he selected the Senators from a range of places7 and occupations. The new senators were all supporters of Caesar8, and vastly outnumbered the old senators.9 Effectively, the Senate became nothing more than a puppet of Caesar's power.
As Caesar was dictator, his Imperium power was...