Augustus

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Vincenzo Camuccini - La morte di Cesare

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Antony with Octavian aureus

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Augustus (23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. He was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus in Rome, into an old and wealthy equestrian branch of the Octavii family. Following the assassination of his great-uncle Julius Caesar in 44 BC, Octavius discovered that he was Caesar's adopted son and heir. This led to a series of events that culminated in Octavius's victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. After this victory, Octavius restored the outward facade of the free Roman Republic, with governmental power vested in the Roman Senate, but in reality, he retained his autocratic power over the Republic as a military dictator. His status was legitimized by the Senate's grant of the title "Augustus" in 27 BC, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Early Life

Augustus was born as Gaius Octavius Thurinus in Rome on 23 September 63 BC. His father, also named Gaius Octavius, was a governor of Macedonia, and his mother, Atia, was a niece of Julius Caesar. After the early death of his father, Octavius was raised by his grandmother, Julia, the sister of Julius Caesar.

Rise to Power

The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC was a turning point in Octavius's life. Being named Caesar's heir, he returned to Rome to claim his inheritance and quickly emerged as a key political player. Octavius, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins. However, the alliance was fraught with tensions, leading to a civil war. Octavius's forces defeated those of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, leaving him the unchallenged ruler of Rome.

Reign and Achievements

As the first Roman Emperor, Augustus's reign was marked by relative peace known as the Pax Romana. His reforms stabilized the economy, secured the borders, and initiated a period of significant architectural and cultural achievements. He established a standing army, created the Praetorian Guard, and reformed the tax system. Augustus also patronized the arts, leading to a flourishing of literature and architecture.

Death and Legacy

Augustus died in AD 14 at the age of 75. He was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius. His reign had established a period of peace and prosperity, and he was deified by the Senate shortly after his death. Augustus's legacy includes the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire, which lasted for centuries beyond his reign.