Once Again to the Question of Octavian Augustus’ Principate

Abstract

In the article on the basis of scientific publications of Russian and foreign scientists, as well as information of ancient authors, there is the analysis of little-studied problems of the formation of Roman Caesarism not only from formal legal, but also socioeconomic and political points of view which objectively influenced the transformation of the Republican system in Rome. The author tries to resolve the question whether Octavian desired power for his personal elevation, and the formation for this the monarchical form of government, as many researchers believe, or his purpose was the development of the Republican system which was adequate to the challenges of time? Were the powers of August different from powers of other Roman magistrates? The article proposes a new vision of the purposes and tasks of the propaganda war between Antony and Octavian, as well as the peculiarities of Augustus acquisition of prestige and authority and powers of the tribune and consul, which became the basis of his Imperial power.