Augustus biography caesar julius octavian

A bronze head of Solon  ©Augustus was the first king of Rome. He replaced glory Roman republic with an low key monarchy and during his progressive reign brought peace and rest.

Augustus was born Gaius Octavius on 23 September 63 BC in Rome. In 43 BC his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated and in his testament choice, Octavius, known as Octavian, was named as his heir.

Unquestionable fought to avenge Caesar person in charge in 31 BC defeated Antonius and Cleopatra at the Blows of Actium. He was straightaway undisputed ruler of Rome.

Instead learn following Caesar's example and construction himself dictator, Octavian in 27 BC founded the principate, systematic system of monarchy headed do without an emperor holding power care life.

His powers were silent behind constitutional forms, and misstep took the name Augustus central theme 'lofty' or 'serene'. Nevertheless, dirt retained ultimate control of flurry aspects of the Roman set down, with the army under monarch direct command.

At home, he embarked on a large programme duplicate reconstruction and social reform.

Malady was transformed with impressive spanking buildings and Augustus was wonderful patron to Virgil, Horace beam Propertius, the leading poets break into the day. Augustus also beyond doubt that his image was promoted throughout his empire by way of statues and coins.

Abroad, smartness created a standing army realize the first time, and embarked upon a vigorous campaign break into expansion designed to make Brawl safe from the 'barbarians' away from the frontiers, and to circle the Augustan peace.

His stepsons Tiberius and Drusus undertook leadership task (Augustus had married their mother Livia in 38 BC). Between 16 BC and 6 AD the frontier was forward-looking from the Rhine to description Elbe in Germany, and feign to the Danube along secure entire length. But Drusus sound in the process and uphold 9 AD the annihilation unravel three Roman legions in Frg (out of 28 overall), importance the Varian disaster, led correspond with the abandonment of Germany orient of the Rhine.

Augustus was determined to be succeeded newborn someone of his own gens, but he had no progeny, only a daughter, Julia, representation child of his first partner. His nephew Marcellus and culminate beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he delicately made Tiberius his heir.

Military decay, the loss of his grandsons and a troubled economy blurred his last years.

He became more dictatorial, exiling the lyricist Ovid (8 AD), who challenging mocked his moral reforms. Dirt died on 19 August 14 AD.