The task of history is to hold out for reprobation every evil word and deed, and to hold out for praise every great and noble word and deed.
TacitusAugustus gradually increased his powers, taking over those of the senate, the executives and the laws. The aristocracy received wealth and position in proportion to their willingness to accept slavery. The state had been transformed, and the old Roman character gone for ever. Equality among citizens was completely abandoned. All now waited on the imperial command.
Tacitus