Imperium was the Roman authority to command armies and exercise coercive power within defined constitutional limits.
Historical Significance
The crisis of 88 BCE turned imperium into a prize contested by Senate, tribune, assembly and army.
In Chapter V
The eastern command reveals that the formal grant of imperium no longer guaranteed political obedience once armed loyalty entered the dispute.
Related Entries
Appears in the Library
The Dictatorship — Chapter V: Command and Rivalry
For the general Roman World reference entry, see Imperium.