imperium proconsulare majus

The term imperium proconsulare majus refers to a significant aspect of Roman law and governance, particularly during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. It denotes a form of supreme executive power, encompassing both military and judicial authority.1

This power was originally held by Roman kings and later by chief magistrates like consuls and praetors during the Republic. The imperium proconsulare specifically granted a governor, often a former consul (a proconsul), authority over a province.12

The imperium proconsulare majus, as established by Augustus, was a superior form of this authority. It allowed the holder to exercise command not only in their own assigned province but also in any other province, superseding the authority of other governors. This gave Augustus unprecedented control over the entire Roman world, consolidating his power as the first emperor.31