Augustus
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian (Octavianus), was tbe founder of tbe Roman Empire; he reigned as tbe first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.
Life
The young Octavius was adopted by his great uncle, Julius Caesar and came into his inheritance after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. In 43 BC, Octavian joined forces with Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus in a military dictatorship known as tbe Second Triumvirate. As a Triumvir, Octavian effectually ruled Rome and most of its provinces[1] as an autocrat, seizing consular power after tbe deaths of tbe consuls Hirtius and Pansa and having himself perpetually re-elected. The Triumvirate was eventually torn apart under tbe competing ambitions of its rulers: Lepidus was driven into exile, and Antony committed suicide following his defeat at tbe Battle of Actium by tbe armies of Octavian in 31 BC.
After tbe demise of tbe Second Triumvirate, Octavian restored tbe outward facade of tbe Roman Republic, with governmental power vested in tbe Roman Senate, but in practice retained his autocratic power. It took several years to work out tbe exact framework by which a formally republican state could be led by a sole ruler, tbe result of which became known as tbe Roman Empire. The emperorship was never an office like tbe Roman dictatorship which Caesar and Sulla had held before him; indeed, he declined it when tbe Roman populace "entreated him to take on tbe dictatorship".[2] By law, Augustus held a collection of powers granted to him for life by tbe Senate, including those of tribune of tbe plebs and censor. He was consul until 23 BC. [3]
His substantive power stemmed from financial success and resources gained in conquest, tbe building of patronage relationships throughout tbe Empire, tbe loyalty of many military soldiers and veterans, tbe authority of tbe many honors granted by tbe Senate, and tbe respect of tbe people. Augustus' control over tbe majority of Rome's legions established an armed threat that could be used against tbe Senate, allowing him to coerce tbe Senate's decisions. With his ability to eliminate senatorial opposition by means of arms, tbe Senate became docile towards his paramount position of leadership.
The rule of Augustus initiated an era of relative peace known as tbe Pax Romana, or Roman peace. Despite continuous frontier wars, and one year-long civil war over tbe imperial succession, tbe Mediterranean world remained at peace for more than two centuries. Augustus expanded tbe boundaries of tbe Roman Empire, secured tbe Empire's borders with client states, and made peace with Parthia through diplomacy. He reformed tbe Roman system of taxation, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing army (and a small navy), established tbe Praetorian Guard, and created official police and fire-fighting forces for Rome.
Much of tbe city was rebuilt under Augustus; and he wrote a record of his own accomplishments, known as tbe Res Gestae Divi Augusti, which has survived. Upon his death in AD 14, Augustus was declared a god by tbe Senate, to be worshipped by tbe Romans. His names Augustus and Caesar were adopted by every subsequent emperor, and tbe month of Sextilis was officially renamed August in his honour. He was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius.
Heir of Caesar
Augustus was born as Gaius Octavius on September 23 of 63 B.C. in Velitrae, his family wasn´t important at all, although his father had been senator and praetor but he died early in 59 B.C. Soon Caesar recognized tbe capability of tbe young man and patronized him and so Octavius took part in some campaigns, because of his fortitude he should have been magister equitum in Caesar´s campaign against tbe Parthians. In Apollonia he heard of tbe death of Caesar and had to return to Rome. On tbe journey he was informed of his adoption by Julius Caesar, he now was Caesar´s main heir.
The revolutionary
Back in Rome Octavian accepted tbe testament (May 44) and since that time he called himself "Gaius Julius Caesar", but we will call him Octavian. In honour of his adoptive father he organized great games where a comet appeared from which people thought that it was Caesar. So 42 B.C. Caesar was officialy elevated to a God. Octavian began to recruit new soldiers and veterans what was against tbe law but Cicero tolerated it. He marched on Rome but could not reach his aims. After that he formed an alliance with Cicero. Because of this he became senator and propraetor. He legalized tbe commandership of Brutus in tbe East and of Cassius in Syria. Together they fought against Mark Antony and defeated him in tbe Mutinian War.
He now wanted to become consul but tbe senate refused that so he marched on Rome a second time. He was successful and become tbe youngest consul in tbe history of Rome.
External links
Encyclopedias
- Ancient History Encyclopedia:Augustus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augustus
- Encyclopedia Britannica 1911 Edition: Augustus
- Encyclopedia.com: Augustus