Principate
Topic: The Roman Empire · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "An Empire Across Three Continents"
Meaning
The Principate was the system of rule that Augustus set up in 27 BCE. It marks the start of imperial Rome. The emperor was the only ruler and the only real source of power. But a polite pretence was kept up that he was just the princeps, the "leading citizen". This was done out of respect for the Senate, which had governed Rome during the Republic. Under the Principate, power passed down through family, either by birth or by adoption.
Example
In the first two centuries of the Principate, Rome was mostly stable. The only serious crisis came in 69 CE, the "year of four emperors", when rival armies backed different men for the throne.
Don't confuse with
- Roman Republic: in the Republic the Senate really ruled. Under the Principate the Senate kept respect but the emperor held power.