Augustus Caesar - a Roman emperor

The Life of Augustus Caesar

The first ruler in Roman history, Augustus Caesar, is credited with establishing the Roman republic. On September 23, 63 BC, Gaius Octavius Thurinus was born, and Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor at the time, fostered him. After Julius Caesar was assassinated in 43 BC, Octavian was designated as his successor. At the Battle of Actium, he triumphed over Cleopatra and Antony in an effort to exact revenge for the death of his great uncle. This article examines Augustus Caesar’s life and how it paved the way for the long-term peace and stability of the Roman Empire. When Caesar won the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, he became the undisputed ruler of Rome. His humility led him to not following the example of Julius Caesar of making himself a dictator but rather founded the Principate. Following the victory which made him undisputed ruler, he humbly resigned his powers to the Senate who bestowed the same powers upon him, consequently becoming the legitimate leader. His authority and power were concealed in constitutional forms and adopted the name of Augustus which means serene. During his reign, he passed many laws that sought to bring stability to the country especially in the institution of marriage and family.

The Legacy of Augustus Caesar

Augustus died in Nola AD 14 and is recognized as the first emperor although he never claimed the title. His last words that “I found Rome a city of clay but left it a city of marble” aptly defines his achievements (Mark, 2010). During his reign he led the Roman transformation from a republic to empire during a tumultuous period following the assassination of his Uncle. His humility and leadership skills helped him combine military might and lawmaking to make him the sole ruler of Rome while laying the foundations for a stable Rome for many centuries to come.

Reference

Mark, J. J. (2010). Augustus. Ancient History. Retrieved from http://www.ancient.eu/augustus/