Central government Roman Empire
the dominance of emperor based on consolidation of powers several republican offices, including inviolability of tribunes of people , authority of censors manipulate hierarchy of roman society. emperor made himself central religious authority pontifex maximus, , centralized right declare war, ratify treaties, , negotiate foreign leaders. while these functions defined during principate, emperor s powers on time became less constitutional , more monarchical, culminating in dominate. antoninus pius (reigned 138–161), wearing toga (hermitage museum) the emperor ultimate authority in policy- , decision-making, in principate expected accessible individuals walks of life, , deal official business , petitions. bureaucracy formed around him gradually. julio-claudian emperors relied on informal body of advisors included not senators , equestrians, trusted slaves , freedmen. after nero, unofficial influence of latter regarded suspicion, , emperor s council (consilium) became subject official appo...