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 appointment sake of greater transparency. though senate took lead in policy discussions until end of antonine dynasty, equestrians played increasingly important role in consilium. women of emperor s family intervened directly in decisions. plotina exercised influence on both husband trajan , successor hadrian. influence advertised having letters on official matters published, sign emperor reasonable in exercise of authority , listened people.

access emperor others might gained @ daily reception (salutatio), development of traditional homage client paid patron; public banquets hosted @ palace; , religious ceremonies. common people lacked access manifest general approval or displeasure group @ games held in large venues. 4th century, urban centres decayed, christian emperors became remote figureheads issued general rulings, no longer responding individual petitions.

although senate little short of assassination , open rebellion contravene of emperor, survived augustan restoration , turbulent year of 4 emperors retain symbolic political centrality during principate. senate legitimated emperor s rule, , emperor needed experience of senators legates (legati) serve generals, diplomats, , administrators. successful career required competence administrator , remaining in favour emperor, or on time perhaps multiple emperors.

the practical source of emperor s power , authority military. legionaries paid imperial treasury, , swore annual military oath of loyalty emperor (sacramentum). death of emperor led crucial period of uncertainty , crisis. emperors indicated choice of successor, close family member or adopted heir. new emperor had seek swift acknowledgement of status , authority stabilize political landscape. no emperor hope survive, less reign, without allegiance , loyalty of praetorian guard , of legions. secure loyalty, several emperors paid donativum, monetary reward. in theory, senate entitled choose new emperor, did mindful of acclamation army or praetorians.