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Document Details :

Title: The Secret History
Subtitle: The Official Position of Imperator Caesar Divi filius from 31 to 27 BCE
Author(s): VERVAET, Frederik J.
Journal: Ancient Society
Volume: 40    Date: 2010   
Pages: 79-152
DOI: 10.2143/AS.40.0.2056254

Abstract :
In Res Gestae 7.1, Augustus claims to have been Triumvir for Constituting the Republic for ten consecutive years (43-33 BCE), whereas the foundations of the so-called Principate were not established before 13 and 16 January 27. Since a magnificent aureus from 28 BCE corroborates Augustus’ boastful statement (Res Gestae 34.1) that he returned the Res Publica to the Senate and the People in his sixth and seventh consulships (28 & 27 BCE), the question of his official position from 32 to 27 has become more pertinent than ever. The main aim of this inquiry is to demonstrate that Octavianus/Augustus, who at this stage was formally called Imperator Caesar Divi filius, continued to govern the Republic as triumvir r.p.c. well after 31 December 32, the historical end date of the second triumviral quinquennium. There is every indication that he only abdicated this plenipotentiary magistracy on 13 January 27, the very day he declared to have completed his triumviral assignment.

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