Augusti

Definition

The term 'augusti' refers to the co-emperors of the Roman Empire during the Tetrarchy, a system established by Emperor Diocletian around 293 CE. This division of power created a hierarchical structure with two senior emperors, called Augusti, and two junior emperors, known as Caesars. The establishment of this system aimed to restore stability and effective governance during the Crisis of the Third Century, which had plagued the empire with internal conflict and external threats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tetrarchy was established in 293 CE to address the challenges posed by invasions and civil wars during the Crisis of the Third Century.
2. Each Augustus ruled over a designated region of the empire, ensuring that governance was more localized and responsive to regional issues.
3. The system promoted a clearer line of succession with the role of Caesar as a junior partner, allowing for a smoother transition of power when an Augustus retired or died.
4. This political structure temporarily restored stability to the empire, but it ultimately failed as power struggles between rival claimants emerged.
5. By 313 CE, the Tetrarchy began to collapse due to internal conflicts, leading to a return to centralized rule under Constantine I.

Review Questions

• How did the role of augusti within the Tetrarchy help address the issues faced by the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century?
  • The augusti played a crucial role in restoring order by sharing power across different regions of the Roman Empire. This division allowed them to focus on local issues while maintaining overall authority, which was essential given the numerous external threats and internal strife during that period. By having two senior emperors, it helped streamline military responses and governance, making it easier to manage conflicts and resources.
• Evaluate how the concept of co-emperorship under the augusti contributed to both stability and instability within the Roman Empire.
  • While co-emperorship under the augusti initially brought stability by distributing power and responsibilities, it also introduced new complexities. The clear line of succession created by appointing Caesars aimed at preventing power vacuums but led to rivalries among different rulers. Over time, these rivalries escalated into conflicts that undermined the very stability that Diocletian sought to achieve, demonstrating how shared authority can both resolve and create tensions.
• Assess the long-term impact of the Tetrarchy system and its augusti on the evolution of imperial authority in Rome following its collapse.
  • The Tetrarchy's model of divided leadership influenced future concepts of governance in Rome, particularly in how emperors viewed power sharing and succession. After its collapse, emperors like Constantine I sought to consolidate authority but still drew on lessons learned from having shared governance structures. The tensions arising from multiple leaders set a precedent for future power struggles within Rome, ultimately paving the way for a more centralized yet contested imperial authority that would characterize later periods.

Related terms

Tetrarchy: The political system introduced by Diocletian that divided the Roman Empire into four regions governed by two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesars) to enhance administrative efficiency.

Caesar: The title given to junior emperors under the Tetrarchy, responsible for assisting the Augusti in ruling and eventually succeeding them.

Diocletian: The Roman emperor who initiated the Tetrarchy in response to the empire's crises, implementing significant reforms to stabilize governance and military defense.