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because he was the first actual ruler

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Harvey Schowalter

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2y ago
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10y ago

Augustus gave himself the title of Princeps (which can be translated as either first among equals or first citizen) as part of his pretence that he was restoring the Roman Republic after the civil wars. By winning the last of the civil wars Augustus became the sole ruler of Rome and her territories and replaced the Roman Republic with his own absolute rule. However, he needed to do so without appearing to be trying to become a king.

Augustus had learned from the mistakes of his predecessor, Julius Caesar, who had been assassinated because he concentrated power in his hands and appeared to be trying to become a king. The Roman Republic had been established centuries earlier with the overthrow of the last king of Rome, who was a tyrant. The Romans did way with the monarchy and replaced it with the republic whose aim was to prevent any man from concentrating power in his hands and avoid the return of tyranny. Therefore, Augustus chose the title of Princeps from the Pinceps Senatus, who was a senator designated as the first member of the senate and could speak first, but was considered a first among equal.

With this Augustus could pretend that he worked with the senate to restore the Roman Republic after the civil wars and that he was just a first among equals, while in actual fact he was turning the senate into an instrument for his power. Augustus had become so powerful that he could concentrate power in his hands and establish his absolute rule as if he was a king, but was careful to avoid any association of this with kingship, which was regarded as tyranny and could have caused trouble with the republicans.

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11y ago

Emperor is a term used by historians. The Romans used the term princeps (first man). The term refers to personal rule by one man who was the (unelected) supreme leader of the empire. Augustus was the first such man and the man who established this system of rule. Prior to this there was the Roman Republic which was governed by two annually elected heads of state (the consuls). The Republic fell through a series of civil wars. Augustus was the final victor of these wars and established himself as the sole ruler of the empire.

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13y ago

It is because he didn't want to be seen as what he was, a dictator.

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Q: Why did Octavian take the title of first citizen?
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Continue Learning about General History

Why is it significant that Octavian did not take the title of dictator?

because he was the first actual ruler


Why is it sighnifiant that Octavian did not take the title of dictator?

because he was the first actual ruler


Who did Octavian defeat to take control of the roman government?

Octavian took the title of Augustus in 27 BCE.


What would have happened to Cleopatra VII if she did not 'kill herself'?

We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.


Who is Ruler of Rome who first took the title imperator?

Many Victorious Roman Generals throughout the history of Rome were named "imperator" by their Soldiers on the field of battle, it was a requirement for tge general to be voted a Triumph by the Senate. Augustus was the first to take it as part of his name or title...thus the English title EMPEROR. As a side note, Augustus is also a title that Gauis Julius Caesar Octavianus added to his name. Hope this was useful..

Related questions

What steps did Octavian take to secure the title of emperor?

None whatsoever. Octavian never held the title of emperor. In fact no Roman ever held that title; it was something given to the Roman leaders by later historians. As for Octavian, he called himself "princeps" which translates into "first citizen". He secured that position by retaining tribunican power.


Why is is significant that Octavian did not take the title of dictator?

because he was the first actual ruler


Why is it significant that Octavian did not take the title of dictator?

because he was the first actual ruler


Why is it sighnifiant that Octavian did not take the title of dictator?

because he was the first actual ruler


Who did Octavian defeat to take control of the roman government?

Octavian took the title of Augustus in 27 BCE.


What name did the first emperor of Rome take?

The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.The first emperor of Rome added his adoptive name to his given name. He was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was given the title "Augustus" by the senate and that's what he is popularly called, even though "Augustus" is a title, not a name.


What does it take to be a good citizen of this cuntry?

First, you have to know how to spell country.


What would have happened to Cleopatra VII if she did not 'kill herself'?

We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.We don't know for certain. Cleopatra presented a problem for Octavian. Although the Roman people were against Cleopatra and hated her for her relationship with Antony, there was always the possibility that they would feel sorry for her if she were to appear in Octavian's triumph (the way they felt sorry for Cleopatra's sister in Caesar's triumph) and Octavian did not want to take the chance of having to show her clemency. So, if Cleo did not kill herself, she would first be humiliated in Octavian's triumph in Rome, and then either killed or sent into exile, depending on the mood of the people, which Octavian had to gage very carefully.


Who is Ruler of Rome who first took the title imperator?

Many Victorious Roman Generals throughout the history of Rome were named "imperator" by their Soldiers on the field of battle, it was a requirement for tge general to be voted a Triumph by the Senate. Augustus was the first to take it as part of his name or title...thus the English title EMPEROR. As a side note, Augustus is also a title that Gauis Julius Caesar Octavianus added to his name. Hope this was useful..


How did Octavian take power from Marc Antony?

Octavian took power from Marc Antony because Antony divorced Octovia for Cleopatra and Octavian saw it as an insult. So Octavian set war on Antony but he escaped back to Egypt with Cleopatra. There the two committed suicide so they wouldn't be taken as prisoner by Octavian. Octavian then became Rome's sole rule.


What is the first step a alien takes to become a citizen?

The first step that and alien has to take to become a citizen is to sign the Declaration of Intention, provided by the state you plan to seek naturalization.


What is the first step an alien takes to become a citizen?

The first step that and alien has to take to become a citizen is to sign the Declaration of Intention, provided by the state you plan to seek naturalization.