In fact, Augustus and the other early emperors looked more like banana republic dictators than kings (as I point out in The Jericho River).Īugustus’ revolution from the top, then, was more subtle than Palpatine’s, who actually declares a new “first Galactic Empire.” But like Palpatine, Augustus ruled no one doubted that. Imperator wouldn’t clearly refer to a king-like ruler until generations later. It meant something like victorious commander. People did call him imperator, but back then the Latin word for “emperor” was more an honorific than a title. His key position was Princeps, an old republican title for the most honored senator. In fact, Augustus didn’t even declare himself emperor. Augustus preserved the Republic’s institutions, including the Senate and the Roman consuls and other officers. Also like Palpatine, Rome’s first emperor didn’t simply throw away the republican government and declare a new monarchy. Like Palpatine, Augustus Caesar had just won a civil war (against Marc Antony and Cleopatra), leaving him in command of the state. The story parallels the transition from Roman Republic to Empire in 27 BC. But he leaves the Senate in place, along with the rest of the republican government. He also centralizes power in his own hands, at the expense of the elected Senate. Palpatine is already Chancellor of the Republic, though he’s held office longer than normal, thanks to a civil war. In Revenge of the Sith, the evil Palpatine transforms the Galactic Republic from the top, creating the Empire - without overthrowing the state.
~ This is the first of a six-post series called Star Wars and History.
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