Although Emperor Octavian Augustus appears to be a descendant of the first and one of the greatest emperors of the Roman Empire, it should be remembered that he gained power by force.
Not wanting to share the fate of Julius Caesar, he compiled prescription lists and systematically liquidated all opposition. According to estimated data, about 130 senators were murdered by Titus Livius, and 2,000 opponents of the regime were outlawed and lost their property. Appian, on the other hand, gives the number of 300 proscribed senators.
It was a clear signal from Octavian that he would not recognize any objection and that any objection would be suppressed by force. Of course, it should be remembered that Caesar’s successor escaped the fate of his adoptive father, keeping the appearance of a republic, giving himself further honourary titles and assuming sovereignty over the army.
