The Divine Augustus
The Divine Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) was the first Roman emperor. He was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, but he was adopted by his great-uncle Julius Caesar and took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Octavian emerged as one of the most powerful men in Rome. He defeated his rivals in a series of civil wars, and he became the sole ruler of Rome in 27 BC.
Augustus was a brilliant politician and administrator. He reformed the Roman government and military, and he established a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Augustus also promoted the arts and sciences, and he oversaw the construction of many public works projects, including roads, temples, and bridges.
Augustus was a popular and respected ruler. He was careful to maintain the outward forms of the Roman Republic, but he was in fact an absolute monarch. He was given the title of Augustus, which means "revered," and he was also given the title of Pater Patriae, which means "father of the fatherland."
Augustus died in 14 AD and was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius. Augustus was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a ruthless politician who waged civil wars to achieve his goals, but he was also a wise and benevolent ruler who brought peace and prosperity to the Roman Empire.
Here are some of Augustus's most important accomplishments:
- He ended the civil wars that had plagued Rome for decades.
- He established the Pax Romana, a period of peace and prosperity that lasted for over 200 years.
- He reformed the Roman government and military.
- He promoted the arts and sciences.
- He oversaw the construction of many public works projects.
Augustus is considered to be one of the greatest Roman emperors. He was a brilliant politician and administrator, and he laid the foundation for the Roman Empire to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean world.