That axiom holds both for the political dynasts of the closing age of the Republic and for their last sole heir the rule of Augustus was the rule of a party, and in certain aspects his Principate was a syndicate. […] Its rule was threatened at the outset by a turbulent and ambitious consul, M. […] His rule was far worse than the violent and illegal domination of Pompeius. […] Sulla restored the oligarchic rule of the nobiles. […] The Dictator left, and could leave, no heir to his personal rule.