James 14 Grade 9 Harvard World History Roman Empire Roman Weapons: Tools of the Empire 詹姆斯 14 帝国的工具

Under the founder-emperor Augustus (ruled 30 BC - 14 AD), the legions, c. 5,000-strong all-heavy infantry formations recruited from Roman citizens only, were transformed from a mixed conscript and volunteer corps serving an average of 10 years, to all-volunteer units of long-term professionals serving a standard 25-year term (conscription was only decreed in emergencies). In the later 1st century, the size of a legion's First Cohort was doubled, increasing legionary personnel to c. 5,500.
Restoring Order: After years of civil war, Augustus aimed to bring peace and stability to Rome. He promoted the idea that he was restoring the "Republic," although, in reality, he consolidated power in himself while maintaining a façade of republican institutions.
Political Control: Augustus' ultimate goal was to gain and maintain absolute control over Rome. His approach was subtle-he never declared himself a dictator, but instead took on various titles like princeps (first citizen) and imperator. These titles gave him authority while preserving the appearance of a republic.
Securing His Legacy: Augustus was deeply concerned with how history would remember him. He reformed the legal, military, and social structures of Rome, which would leave a lasting imprint on the empire. He also built impressive monuments, like the Forum of Augustus, to ensure his legacy.
Moral Reforms: Augustus pushed for moral reforms, including laws encouraging marriage and childbirth to strengthen Rome's social fabric. He wanted to appear as a moral leader restoring traditional Roman values, even if he personally didn’t always live by them.
Cunning and Calculated: Augustus was extremely strategic and patient. He waited for the right moments to take power, making careful political alliances, including with his rival Mark Antony. He also projected humility, pretending to relinquish power when it was politically advantageous, while still retaining control.
Pragmatic: Augustus likely felt that his actions, even if authoritarian, were justified by the needs of the state. The chaos of the civil wars made many Romans long for stability, and Augustus saw himself as the necessary answer to that desire.
Paternalistic: He may have viewed himself as a fatherly figure to Rome, a guardian of the state's future. This paternalism was reflected in his title, Pater Patriae (Father of the Fatherland), which he adopted later in his reign.
Paranoia and Insecurity: Despite his power, Augustus was often paranoid about threats to his rule. He exiled or executed several family members and potential rivals, including his daughter Julia, whose behavior he viewed as a threat to his public image and the stability of his regime.
Desire for Approval: Augustus cared deeply about his public image. He wanted to be seen as a just and benevolent leader, even commissioning poets like Virgil to glorify his rule in works like the Aeneid. He likely felt a need to justify his actions through the veneer of tradition and public service