The Roman people did not want a dictator or a king. Do you think Augustus and the emperors that followed him were any different?
I believe that in some ways Augustus and the emperors were like kings and in some ways they were not. At first, Augustus shared power with the Senate. They advised him and helped rule. However, he still had complete governing and military power. The emperors were also unlike kings in the fact that they could choose who ruled next. It did not have to be the oldest son. Emperors could adopt or chose someone in their family. In many respects emperors were similar to kings. Their rule was absolute. Emperors could over through one another by force and then claim the throne. Though they did not call themselves kings, Augustus was named the first citizen, they were glorified ones. After they died, they died emperors were worshiped as gods.
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