Augustus Caesar Biography
Augustus Caesar, born in Rome in the year 63 BC on September 23, is considered to be the first greatest Roman Emperor. He was the absolute monarch for over forty years, from 27 B.C. until 14 A.D. This reign was popularly called the Augustan Age. Though he was a rigid politician and soldier, he stopped civil wars and took Rome to new heights of peace, order, prosperity and royal magnitude. August, the 8th month of the Gregorian calendar, is also named after his name. |
Though born as Gaius Octavius, his named was altered to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius after getting adopted by Julius Caesar, who wanted heir. Caesar was August Caesar's uncle, his mother's brother. After Julius Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, Augustus Caesar came back from Apollonia (now Albania) and formed an army in association with Julius Caesar’s expert soldiers, Marcus Antonius and Marcus Lepidus. This coalition, referred to as the Second Triumvirate, began a war against Julius Caesar’s murderers, Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius who finally escaped to the east. The Caesarian forces chased them and defeated them at Philippi in Macedonia.
After some years, Augustus Caesar came back to Rome and Antonius left for Egypt where he made a coalition with Queen Cleopatra, the ex-beloved of Julius Caesar. Caesar Octavius conquered the naval combat of Actium (31 B.C.) against Antonius and Cleopatra and emerged as the supreme power in Rome. In the year 27 B. C., he was conferred the title of Augustus (meaning revered or royal) by the Roman Senate and thus, his name became popular as Augustus Caesar. During his reign, the Roman Empire gained new heights. He improved civic and cultural associations, made temples, theaters and bridges, and supported poets and historians like Virgil and Ovid.
Elected a Consul by the Senate, he was aware that to become an absolute ruler, his Consulship is not enough. Therefore, he relinquished the post of Consul to get two other posts, one the office of a tribune and second, a new “imperial” power. These two authorities helped him to associate with the common man as well as the defense power. He emerged as the greatest Roman emperor in 23 B.C. Though, he preferred to be known as Princeps, or First Citizen. He reigned with great thoughtfulness and bravery. He made Rome’s first stable army and a regular police force to protect the borders of Rome and its people. A particular unit, the Praetorian Guard, barricaded Rome and guarded the Emperor. He also established the world’s first fire brigade.
No big wars happened during his period; instead he channeled his power and wealth in expanding the borders of Rome, improving the condition of army, making people happy by giving them good facilities and holding wonderful games. Augustus Caesar died on 19 August 14 AD.
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