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haruspicium.
Divination and the examination of auspices, along with the strict control of all divinatory practices (see
ASTROLOGY), were maintained by the Roman state, which early on saw the potential for abuse. In 29
B.C., Augustus was warned by Marcus Agrippa not to trust diviners and augurs, for they could, at times,
lead people to chaos by lies. Traditionally, a magistrate or the pontifex maximus held auspices, and the
interpretation of an augur could be discounted if they so desired. In practice, however, the diviners
wielded considerable influence.
¤ AUGUSTA The title given first to Empress LIVIA in 14 A.D., in honor of her unique position during
the reign of AUGUSTUS; later used to designate the role of the wife of the emperor, or that of any
woman of power in imperial affairs. The name was also given to a number of Roman colonies and
townships (see below).
With the death of Augustus in 14 A.D., the grateful Senate and the people of Rome heaped every honor on
the late ruler. Livia, his widow, received the same in honor of her service, and was adopted into the Julian
house and given the title Augusta. With this unprecedented act, the Senate made Livia a virtual colleague of
the new emperor, her own son TIBERIUS. Augustus' name had been based on the title given to him when
he was still Octavian, making him emperor in spirit. Tiberius recognized the reality of the title extended to
Livia, and, having no love for his domineering mother, he severely restricted the
execution of the powers that complemented the name.
AGRIPPINA THE YOUNGER was next to receive the title, in 50 A.D. She was given her status while
Claudius, her emperor husband, was still alive. Unlike Livia, who was limited by Tiberius, Agrippina had
Claudius' permission to exercise her powers. They continued in 54 A.D., when her son Nero was named
emperor. She shared his office, sitting on an equal station with him, and appeared on imperial coinage with
her countenance prominently displayed. In 59, Agrippina was murdered by Nero. Four years later,
POPPAEA, Nero's new wife, was granted the title of Augusta, as was her new daughter. Their position,
however, was politically impotent, and consequently began the trend that reduced the status of the rank to
that of a title given the wife or nearest female relative of the emperor.
Domitian named his wife, DOMITIA LONGINA, to be Augusta as his empress only, with no real
powers. Her influence in the palace was such, however, that the assassination of Domitian took place
with her knowledge and participation. Intriguing behind the throne, and the manipulation of the emperor
himself, brought about the evolution of the rank.
JULIA MAMAEA, the mother of Alexander Severus, did not bear the title of Augusta. Instead she bore
the name: "Mother of the Emperor, Camp, Senate and Country," and she was a power behind the throne
throughout Alexander's reign (222-235). Her domination was so complete that, in time, the troops
revolted and killed them both.
The development of the Eastern Empire following Constantine's construction of CONSTANTINOPLE,
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