Augustus and the Roman Senate: Managing the Old Aristocracy

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Augustus skillfully managed the Roman Senate, transforming it from a source of opposition into a pillar of his new regime. They discuss the senatorial purges of 28 BCE and 18 BCE, the creation of the lectio senatus, and the introduction of the senatorial career ladder that tied prestige to imperial service. The conversation covers key figures like Maecenas, who advised a mix of co-option and control, and the legal changes that limited senators' political and economic independence. They also touch on the role of the consilium principis, the senatorially-approved provinces, and the delicate balancing act that allowed the Senate to retain dignity while losing real power. This episode offers a fresh angle on the Augustan settlement, showing how the Princeps navigated centuries-old aristocratic rivalries to build a lasting peace. #Augustus #RomanSenate #lectioSenatus #Maecenas #consiliumPrincipis #Princeps #RomanRepublic #AugustanSettlement #RomanAristocracy #28BCE #18BCE #ImperialRome #senatorialProvinces #cursusHonorum #PaxRomana #RomanHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo