Consilium Principis

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June 24, 2026

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The term "Consilium Principis" refers to the imperial council that advised the Roman emperor. Initially, under Augustus, this council was composed of consuls, other magistrates, and 15 senators chosen by lot. Its purpose was to consult on matters of policy, similar to a republican magistrate seeking advice from an advisory committee.1

Over time, especially by the 2nd century AD, the emperor's council, often referred to as amici Caesaris (friends of Caesar), played a significant role in issuing imperial legislation known as constitutiones principum. While the emperor consulted this council, the constitutiones were ultimately direct decrees from the emperor, indicating a trend towards absolute monarchy. The consulship itself, once the highest ordinary magistracy in the Roman Republic, lost much of its power during the empire, with appointments eventually falling to the emperor.23

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ancient Rome
The Roman Senate and the urban magistracies
…and an imperial council (Consilium Principis), which he consulted on matters of policy, in the manner of a republican magistrate seeking the opinion of his advisory committee, consisted of the consuls, certain other magistrates, and 15 senators—not handpicked by him but chosen by lot every six months.
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…and an imperial council (Consilium Principis), which he consulted on matters of policy, in the manner of a republican magistrate seeking the opinion of his advisory committee, consisted of the consuls, certain other magistrates, and 15 senators—not handpicked by him but chosen by lot every six months.
Read More