A thorough prosopographical investigation of the senatorial leadership under Augustus represents a desideratum in research. Previous approaches have relied on the work of Syme, whose results are viewed critically in part. In the present book, an attempt is made to examine the relationship between Octavian/Augustus and the nobility as well as the homines novi based on the careers of the consuls and governors. The question of their influence and whether there were changes in the cursus honorum is also explored.