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Two of the most destructive problems facing the late Roman Republic were the instability and disunity caused by incessant civil wars. Rome's rapid expansion, after the Punic Wars, resulted in socioeconomic changes that permanently divided the state. Both aristocratic and plebeian parties sought total control of Rome and tried to destroy each other. Civil war was the continuation of party politics by other means. Consequently, the power of the military became supreme. Control of Rome's …

…restricted luxury and extravagance. In addition, Augustus placed special significance on the traditional religion of Rome. He believed that prosperity and peace in the state relied on the faithful fulfillment of religious duties to the gods. This traditional belief he expressed by restoring temples and joining the sacred college of pontiffs and augurs, and he eventually became pontifex maximus. Augustus became not only the secular head of Roman Empire but the religious leader as well.