Octavian

Octavian
Emperor of Rome
Reign	27 BC – AD 14
Predecessor	None (himself as part of the Second Triumvirate)
Successor	Tiberius
Born	Rome, Roman Republic
Died	Nola, Roman Empire
Burial	Mausoleum of Augustus
Dynasty	Julio-Claudian dynasty

Octavian, known posthumously as Augustus (meaning "the revered one"), 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 into an old and wealthy equestrian branch of the plebeian gens Octavia. Following the assassination of his maternal great-uncle Julius Caesar in 44 BC, Octavian came into his inheritance and quickly emerged as a key political player.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Octavian was born in Rome on 23 September 63 BC. After Julius Caesar's death, Octavian discovered that he was Caesar's adopted son and heir. Joining forces with Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, he formed the Second Triumvirate to defeat the assassins of Caesar. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi, the Triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves. However, the alliance soon disintegrated due to internal rivalry and ambition.

Conflict with Mark Antony

The relationship between Octavian and Mark Antony deteriorated over time, culminating in the final war of the Roman Republic. The rivalry was fueled by Antony's alliance with Cleopatra VII of Egypt, which Octavian used to his advantage, portraying Antony as a traitor under foreign influence. The decisive confrontation occurred at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Octavian's forces achieved a resounding victory.

Establishment of the Roman Empire

In 27 BC, Octavian officially restored the republic, transferring control to the Senate and the people of Rome. However, he retained real power by accumulating a range of significant and permanent powers, and the Senate bestowed upon him the title of Augustus. This marked the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Augustus implementing a system of monarchy disguised as a republic.

Reforms and Legacy

Augustus significantly reformed the Roman administrative, military, and economic systems. He expanded the empire, secured its boundaries, and initiated an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. His cultural patronage helped flourish the Roman literature and arts, marking the golden age of Latin literature.

Augustus' death in AD 14 marked the end of a long and influential reign. He was succeeded by his adopted son, Tiberius. His reign laid the foundations for several centuries of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire.

Death and Succession

Augustus died on 19 August AD 14 in Nola. His body was transported back to Rome and cremated, and his ashes were placed in his Mausoleum. In his will, Augustus adopted Tiberius as his son and successor, ensuring the continuation of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• Julius Caesar
• Mark Antony
• Cleopatra VII