Legal Definitions - princeps

In Roman law and history, princeps refers to a preeminent or leading individual within society, often holding significant authority or influence. While it initially meant "first citizen" or "chief," it evolved to become a title associated with the Roman Emperor, signifying their supreme position as the head of state and military.

• Example 1: The Foundation of the Principate

  After the tumultuous civil wars of the Roman Republic, Octavian (later known as Augustus) carefully consolidated power. He avoided the traditional title of "king," which was anathema to Romans, and instead presented himself as the princeps senatus (first man of the Senate) and eventually simply princeps. This allowed him to exercise vast authority while maintaining the outward appearance of republican institutions.

  This example illustrates how Augustus, as the princeps, was the leading figure who skillfully navigated the political landscape, establishing a new system of governance where he was the foremost citizen, effectively the emperor, without explicitly claiming monarchical titles.

• Example 2: Imperial Authority

  During the reign of Emperor Hadrian, all major legislative initiatives, judicial appeals, and appointments of high-ranking officials across the vast Roman Empire ultimately rested with him. His decrees carried the force of law, and his decisions shaped the lives of millions, from Britannia to Egypt.

  Here, Hadrian embodies the princeps as the undisputed supreme ruler. His position as the ultimate authority in all matters of state, law, and administration demonstrates the term's evolution to signify the emperor as the singular, most powerful individual in the Roman world.