Did Augustus Restore the Republic? Velleius Paterculas 89.2,89.3,89.5

Does the writer agree that Augustus restored the Republic?

• YES
• "the traditional form of the Republic was brought back"
• "there was nothing thereafter which men could hope for from the gods" (as Augustus had done everything already)
• "force restored to the laws, authority to the courts, and majesty to the Senate"

What powers does the write claim that Augustus had?

• He had ultimate power - on par with the gods
• "there was nothing thereafter which men could hope for from the gods...which Augustus...did not restore to the Republic"
• Only the power of consul was Augustus prevailed upon to hold successively - but we all know that wasn't the true extent of his power

What powers does the writer claim that Augustus refused?

• The dictatorship - "His rejection of the dictatorship was as obstinate as the people's determination to offer it to him"
• "force restored to the laws, authority to the courts, majesty to the Senate" - he restored their powers rather than taking them for himself
• Consulship - "later he was to refuse it vigorously"

What are the limitations of the source?

• Velleius was a contemporary writer. He was a soldier who became a Senator under the reigns of Augustus and Nero. As he benefited during their reigns he writes favourably of Augustus