Why was Augustus an emperor?

Answer 1

The word Emperor did not exist. It is derived from Imperator, which was an hororific bestowed on a victorious commander by acclaim of his soldiers after a victory. And the last thing Augustus wanted was to be an Emperor - look what acting like a king had done for his adoptive father Julius Caesar. Octavian (later Augustus) was trying to resolve the problems which had resulted in sporadic civil wars for the past century. Sulla in the 80s BCE had established a new order, which was progressively dismantled by ambitious generals/politicians after his death. Caesar's solution of life Dictatorship (touted by his enemies as kingship) brought plotting to end that life dictatorship. Augustus decided on a more indirect road. In 27 BCE he declared in the Senate 'the Republic restored'. However he subverted this by the personal powers he progressively assumed. He took the powers of a Tribune of the Plebs (personal immunity inside Rome, veto, ability to introduce legislation to the Senate); of a pro-magistrate outside Rome (personal immunity, ability to intervene in affairs of the empire); and control of the frontier provinces (which is where the legions were stationed). His title was Princeps (First Citizen). The following 200 years are known as the Principate, where the real but camouflaged powers that he and his successors wielded left Senate and Consulship intact, but increasingly left overall direction to the Princeps. At least civil wars were averted by this iron hand within the velvet glove.

Answer 2

Augustus never was given the title "emperor". The Romans never used that word. Augustus referred to himself as "princeps" or "first citizen". The title "Emperor" is given by historians to distinguish the form of government Augustus established from the monarchy. The Romans themselves, called their leader "Caesar" which was originally a family name, but evolved into a title.

Answer 3

Augustus became the first Roman emperor because he was the final victors of the civil wars which tore Rome apart and brought down the Roman Republic. He gained control of the army and used the riches he accumulated through the spoils of war for patronage. Moreover, he was popular because use the fact that he was the adoptive son of Julius Caesar effectively for his Propaganda. Caesar was seen as the hero of the people. It was unwise to oppose Augustus.