Imperator

The simplicity of its republican origin had so far affected the external character and expression of the imperial office, that in the midst of luxury the most unbounded, and spite of all other corruptions, a majestic plainness of manners, deportment, and dress, had still continued from generation to generation, characteristic of the Roman imperator in his intercourse with his subjects.

But to compensate in some degree for what was then taken away, the custom was introduced of bestowing what was termed Triumphalia Ornamenta, that is, permission to receive the titles bestowed upon, and to appear in public with the robes worn by the imperatores of the commonwealth when they triumphed, and to bequeath to their descendants triumphal statues.

Modern emperors and consuls of the year VIII. are no more the imperatores of ancient Rome, and modern religious organizations are but the phantasms of mediæval corporations.

He said cautiously, "I do not think it right, Imperator."

Given the sudden proliferation of self-portraits on the coins of all the imperatores of this period, many of whom certainly had not received such a privilege, such an unattested grant to Antony need not be assumed.

By a law of the tribunes L. Marius and M. Cato penalties were imposed upon all Imperatores who should be found guilty of having made false returns to the senate, and it was ordained that so soon as they returned to the city they should be required to attest the correctness of such documents upon oath before the city quaestor. […] But to compensate in some degree for what was then taken away, the custom was introduced of bestowing what were Triumphalia Ornamenta, that is, permission to receive the titles bestowed upon and to appear in public with the robes worn by the Imperatores of the commonwealth when they triumphed, and to bequeath to their descendants triumphal statues.

He [w:Trajan] was careful to distinguish and reward merit, and raised men of family, and the kindred of former Imperators, into situations of prominence or command.

They were permitted to receive the titles bestowed on the Imperatores of the Republic; to appear in the garb worn by them, a gold embroidered dress (‘toga picta’), and flowered tunic (‘tunica palmeata’), and a crown of laurel.

It is convenient to consider the Imperial dignity as that which originated in the Imperatores of Rome; the Kingship of Italy, symbolized by the iron crown, as a title resting on the subjugation of the Lombards.

The free citizens of Rome become the slaves of an autocratic government. They fall a prey to the unlimited sway of Imperators who again give birth to a Nero and a Caligula.