Abandoned Quote by Tacitus
“Augustus gradually increased his powers, taking over those of the senate, the executives and the laws. The aristocracy received wealth and position in proportion to their willingness to accept slavery. The state had been transformed, and the old Roman character gone for ever. Equality among citizens was completely abandoned. All now waited on the imperial command.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Annals by Tacitus, 1st century AD
Augustus consolidated power, turning the Senate and laws into extensions of his will, eroding republican equality and turning citizens into subjects.
In simple terms: Augustus turned Rome into a dictatorship, ending citizen equality.
Key Takeaway
Guard against power centralization.
Themes
politics
history
authority
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- civic education
- activism
- journalism
Key Concepts
republicanism
authoritarianism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How does concentration of power threaten liberty?
- What mechanisms can protect citizen equality today?
A Different Perspective
Even with power, checks and balances are needed to prevent abuse.
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