Abstract
The origin of the imperial civil service is generally attributed to Augustus, and its development to Claudius; but a precise understanding of what were the original elements due to Augustus and what the additions of Claudius is to seek, despite much sound piecemeal work on the activity of the latter. The problem has not been tackled as a whole. To speak of the ‘civil service’ of Augustus is perhaps to use a metaphor of dubious value. The term ‘civil service’ implies a regular and highly organised body of bureaucratic officials forming an administrative and executive personnel which, under the general guidance of the Government, or, in classical terminology, of the Magistrates, manages, often in minute detail, the affairs of the country concerned. Such systems were not unknown in antiquity, notably in Ptolemaic Egypt, but such was not the system of the Principate in general, even at the fullest development of the procuratorial service. Still less was such a system originated by Augustus, despite the retention in Egypt of Ptolemaic methods.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
