Dynamics of Royal Authority: A Comparative Study of Dominance Assertion in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire

Abstract

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of how kings and consuls exercised dominance over their subjects in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. By examining the contrasting strategies employed during these distinct time periods, the study sheds light on the evolving dynamics of power and control within the Roman state. Through this research process, the author found out that during the Roman Republic era, the consul mainly used the term senate to assert their dominance over the people, but as it shifted to Roma Empire period, the emperors mainly used propaganda and divine rights to assert the dominance over the people. This research’s meaning includes how did consuls or emperors from different time periods of roman history asserted their dominance over the citizens and the change and shift in the methods applied by the consuls during republic and empire time.