03-09-2003, 02:04 AM
On Imperator to Princeps<br>
<br>
I think this is right<br>
<br>
When Augustus came into power he did a lot of things in attempts to get the Senate and the people on side, because he did not want to rule with the army alone. The title of Princeps was one. Although it strictly means first amoung many, Princeps was meant to be a title bestowed and endorsed by the people and the Senate, so allowing Augie to get the people and Senate onside.<br>
<br>
However, no one would NOT endorse the title when it was against someone with the power Augustus wielded, so it really ended up being the principle of the thing. One more thing to advertise the power he had to his people and enemies.<br>
<br>
Althoguh strictly the Julio-Claudian Emperor's were Imperators (meaning leader or greater than leader) throughout, the title Princeps was more commonly used because<br>
a) it was a title bestowed, rather than self-endorsed.<br>
b) It had more political possibilities, as an indication of power.<br>
<br>
Augustus promoted Princeps over Imperator and so Imperator was lost over the years.<br>
<br>
I think that sort of answers your question. I only stumbled on it doing some research. I hope I was able to help in some way.<br>
<br>
DarkLady <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I think this is right<br>
<br>
When Augustus came into power he did a lot of things in attempts to get the Senate and the people on side, because he did not want to rule with the army alone. The title of Princeps was one. Although it strictly means first amoung many, Princeps was meant to be a title bestowed and endorsed by the people and the Senate, so allowing Augie to get the people and Senate onside.<br>
<br>
However, no one would NOT endorse the title when it was against someone with the power Augustus wielded, so it really ended up being the principle of the thing. One more thing to advertise the power he had to his people and enemies.<br>
<br>
Althoguh strictly the Julio-Claudian Emperor's were Imperators (meaning leader or greater than leader) throughout, the title Princeps was more commonly used because<br>
a) it was a title bestowed, rather than self-endorsed.<br>
b) It had more political possibilities, as an indication of power.<br>
<br>
Augustus promoted Princeps over Imperator and so Imperator was lost over the years.<br>
<br>
I think that sort of answers your question. I only stumbled on it doing some research. I hope I was able to help in some way.<br>
<br>
DarkLady <p></p><i></i>
