Augustus

Augustus

16 January 27 BC – 19 August AD 14
Predecessor 
SuccessorTiberius
Born23 September 63 BC, Rome, Italy
Died19 August AD 14 (aged 75), Nola, Italy
SpouseClaudia (42–40 BC; divorce)
Scribonia (40–38 BC; divorce)
Livia (37 BC–AD 14; his death)
Children Julia the Elder
Gaius Caesar (adopted)
Lucius Caesar (adopted)
Agrippa Postumus (adopted)
Tiberius (adopted)
FatherGaius Octavius
Julius Caesar (adoptive)
MotherAtia

His Story

Known for initiating two centuries of peace in Rome, Augustus Caesar’s rise to political power was anything but amicable.

Augustus was the first emperor of ancient Rome and the founder of the principate, a system of government that gave him absolute power while preserving the appearance of a republic. He reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14, and ushered in a period of peace, prosperity and cultural flourishing known as the Pax Romana.

Augustus was born as Gaius Octavius on September 23, 63 BC, in Rome. He was the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, who was assassinated in 44 BC by a group of senators who opposed his dictatorship. Octavius inherited Caesar’s name and wealth, as well as his loyal army and political allies. He formed a triumvirate with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus to defeat Caesar’s assassins and divide the Roman territories among themselves.

However, the triumvirate soon collapsed due to rivalry and ambition. Lepidus was exiled in 36 BC, and Antony became Octavius’ main rival for power. Antony allied himself with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, and waged war against Octavius. In 31 BC, Octavius defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the naval battle of Actium, and became the sole ruler of Rome.

Octavius consolidated his power by reorganizing the army, the administration, the finances and the laws of Rome. He also initiated a series of public works, such as roads, aqueducts, temples and monuments. He promoted literature and arts, and patronized writers like Virgil and Horace. He expanded the boundaries of the empire by conquering new lands and securing peace with foreign powers. He also reformed the Roman religion and established a cult of himself as a living god.

Octavius adopted several titles and honors to legitimize his authority. In 27 BC, he received the title of Augustus, meaning “the revered one”, from the senate. He also became imperator (commander), princeps (first citizen), pontifex maximus (chief priest) and pater patriae (father of the fatherland). He adopted his stepson Tiberius as his heir and successor.

Augustus died on August 19, AD 14, at the age of 75, in Nola. He was buried in a mausoleum in Rome that still stands today. He left behind a legacy of political stability, cultural achievements and imperial glory that shaped the history of Rome and the world for centuries to come.

 

(Statue of Augustus, Rome 2023, Picture by Juan Carlos Oviedo)

Coins in our Collection of this Authority

Add Your Comment


Numiscurio © 2023. All Rights Reserved /  Powered by 3W WebServices
Privacy Policy / Terms of Use