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Senate of the Roman Empire

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Rome - Senate Debate about Ceasar

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The Roman Senate during the Monarchy

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Rome - Caesar is declared a public enemy of Rome.

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Epic Roman Music - The Senate

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16th January 27 BCE: The Roman Senate grant Octavian the titles Augustus and Princeps

The Senate of the Roman Empire was a political institution in the ancient Roman Empire. After the fall of the Roman Republic, the constitutional balance of power shifted from the "Roman Senate" to the "Roman Emperor." Beginning with the first emperor, Augustus, the Emperor and the Senate were technically two co-equal branches of government. In practice, however the actual authority of the imperial Senate was negligible, as the Emperor held the true power of the state. As such, membership in the Senate became sought after by individuals seeking prestige and social standing, rather than actual authority. During the reigns of the first Emperors, legislative, judicial, and electoral powers were all transferred from the "Roman assemblies" to the Senate. However, since the control that the Emperor held over the senate was absolute, the Senate acted as a vehicle through which the Emperor exercised his autocratic powers.
    • Procedure 

    • Powers 

    • Post-Imperial period