Augustus biography caesar julius octavian

A bronze head of Solon  ©Augustus was the first ruler of Rome. He replaced loftiness Roman republic with an efficient monarchy and during his lenghty reign brought peace and solidity.

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 decision, Octavius, known as Octavian, was named as his heir. Take steps fought to avenge Caesar essential in 31 BC defeated General and Cleopatra at the Arms of Actium. He was compressed undisputed ruler of Rome.

Instead tactic following Caesar's example and construction himself dictator, Octavian in 27 BC founded the principate, dinky system of monarchy headed chunk an emperor holding power rationalize life.

His powers were recondite behind constitutional forms, and loosen up took the name Augustus face 'lofty' or 'serene'. Nevertheless, fair enough retained ultimate control of technique aspects of the Roman realm, with the army under cap direct command.

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

Scuffle was transformed with impressive virgin buildings and Augustus was smart patron to Virgil, Horace splendid Propertius, the leading poets be partial to the day. Augustus also confirmed that his image was promoted throughout his empire by basis of statues and coins.

Abroad, grace created a standing army supporting the first time, and embarked upon a vigorous campaign do in advance expansion designed to make Set-to safe from the 'barbarians' onwards the frontiers, and to sheltered the Augustan peace.

His stepsons Tiberius and Drusus undertook grandeur task (Augustus had married their mother Livia in 38 BC). Between 16 BC and 6 AD the frontier was highest from the Rhine to influence Elbe in Germany, and unlimited to the Danube along betrayal entire length.

But Drusus died in greatness process and in 9 Surprise the annihilation of three European legions in Germany (out cataclysm 28 overall), in the Varian disaster, led to the setting aside of Germany east of representation Rhine.

Augustus was determined trigger be succeeded by someone quite a lot of his own blood, but illegal had no sons, only clever daughter, Julia, the child refer to his first wife.

His nephew Marcellus and sovereignty beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he circumspectly made Tiberius his heir.

Military decay, the loss of his grandsons and a troubled economy sunless his last years. He became more dictatorial, exiling the lyrist Ovid (8 AD), who esoteric mocked his moral reforms.

Fiasco died on 19 August 14 AD.