Augustus Caesar: The Roman Empire

Augustus was one of the main leaders during Pax Romana. His Rule was from 27 BC to 28 AD. He was one of the most important rulers in history because he helped to expand border and make peace for Rome. The Roman Empire was described as an autocratic government.

When Augustus was born he was very lucky because according to Augustus: the Life of Rome’s First Emperor

When we think about the historical significance of Rome, it comes down to its leaders and how these leaders ruled in their era. Confidence, commitment, inspiration, intuition, and creativity, are all essential traits that a ruler must possess. In my opinion, no one has demonstrated these important characteristics better than Caesar Augustus, or better known as Octavian. Octavian showed how good of administrator he was, which was well needed after years of civil strife and social unrest. On the other hand, military genius, Julius Caesar, was lacking in administrative qualities which infect, lead his era to have a period of civil war and bloodshed.

Julius Caesar was said to be a great ruler. Julius Caesar conquered many great lands. Some places that Caesar conquered was lands such as Britain, Gaul (modern day France), Egypt, Syria, Pontus (modern day Turkey), and most of the western European continent. “Caesar has always been one of the most controversial characters of history. His admirers have seen in him the defender of the rights of the people against an oligarchy. His detractors have seen him as an ambitious demagogue, who forced his way to dictatorial power and destroyed the republic. That he was gifted and versatile there can be little doubt. He excelled in war, in statesmanship, and in oratory.” (Columbia Electric Encyclopedia)

Caesar Octavian Augustus helped the Expansion of the Roman Empire on the frontiers/ Conquest of Egypt. Octavian Augustus fought wars both on land and water, and spared many people. The success of his wars led to the successful military expansion of the Roman Empire. By waging wars on other places, Octavian took over land and expanded it. He also conquered many other places including Egypt. When Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII tried to battle Octavian at the Battle of Actium, Antony’s forces were wiped out and the next year, Alexandria was conquered by Octavian’s Troops.(Durant et al. Everitt, Hamilton, Suetonius) Mark Antony and Cleopatra later killed themselves leaving Egypt in the hands of Octavian. Augustus expanded his huge empire into northern Spain, large parts of central Europe and Germany. (Sizgorich) Octavian’s conquest of

How was it possible that under the dictatorship and after the deification of Julius Caesar the Roman republic fell, when it had been structurally sound for four centuries before? When the republic was established around the end of the 6th century B.C.E., the Romans made clear that they wished to avoid all semblance of the monarchy that had ruled for two centuries before. (T.J. Cornell, The Beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c. 1000-264 BC), London and New York: Routledge, 1995; p. 215) The rule of the Republic was to be split into powers of the senate and consuls, a system that worked for over four centuries. The republic would face problems with the rise of the first triumvirate in 60 B.C.E.,

When discussing Augustus and Caligula it is simple to bring up the subject of public works and law. Augustus had the most success with his many projects, including the Temple of Mars the Avenger, the Palatine Temple of Apollo, and the Temple of Jupiter the Thunderer on the Capitol. Many colonnade, basilica, and theater were erected and named after relatives. He urged many renowned

     Two problems facing the late Roman Empire was the instability and non unification caused by inner family civil wars. Rome's rapid expansion, after the Punic Wars, resulted in changes that permanently divided the state. Both Aristocrats and Plebeians wanted total control of Rome and tried to destroy each other. Civil war was the the only way to solve problems in politics. Consequently, the power of the military became strong. Control of Rome's armies changed from the government to the generals because the soldiers began to listen to their generals rather than to the Government. On dismissal from military service, the soldiers had no farms to return to, and they

to break free, Antony lost the battle but he and Cleopatra managed to flee the battle early

Sculpture was also changing during the rise of the Empire. Augustus continued to propagandize using sculpture as Pompey and Caesar did in the Republic. He effectively used it to promote his ideas and to legitimize him as the Emperor. In 13 BCE, the Senate commissioned the Altar of Augustan Peace. This is perhaps the best example of art propaganda by Augustus. His new moral code was depicted for all to see. This altar shows Augustus as a moral family man and peacemaker for the Empire.

To reassure Roman Citizens that prosperity was evident Augustus set about reconstructing the city of Rome. Coins from the period (http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=443) illustrate the ‘health of the republic’ which was an essential part in reinforcing the feelings of stability that the Augustus wanted his people to encompass. The use of propaganda was also in an attempt to bolster his power. The reconstruction of the city involved creating essential services such as roads and aqueducts and also glorified Augustus and set in stone his achievements.

While in Egypt, Caesar fought Pompey, his sons, and his troops and defeated them all. By winning this battle, Caesar made Cleopatra the ruler of all of Egypt. He gained great power and made himself the Roman dictator for as long as he lived. At this point, Caesar had practically become the master of the Roman world (Gruen 13). His power, though, would not last much longer.

Gaius Julius Caesar was undoubtedly a man of great achievement. Although assassinated before he could complete his life’s work, what he had achieved during the course of his life crowned him as one of the few individuals who have changed the course of history, as well as greatly contributing to the society.Some of his many achievements were the victory of the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC which was an imperative battle and a turning point in the Gallic Wars, his conquests of Gaul which gained him control of more than eight hundred towns and three hundred states’, he also won the Battle of Pharsalus which was the civil war opposing the army of the republic with Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus in command.All these three important achievements had a great impact upon the rise of The Roman Empire as well as the course of history.

History of the world is full of different leaders, emperors, city-states, and empires. The Roman Empire was an empire of many ups and downs with problems, people, and enemies. Octavian Augustus Caesar was the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Caesar had many strengths that through the years left him a glorious empire.

2. Octavian is Julius Caesar’s great nephew but was named his adopted son in Julius Caesar will. Octavian was able to gain power due to being named in Julius Caesar’s will as his son. He was originally the son of Julius Caesar’s sister. His father Gaius Octavius was the first person in the family that became a senator but passed away when Octavian was four years old. Octavius was able to balance the empire, made the army smaller sized, and formed a Roman navy. He also held interest in temple buildings which in turned he took on the repair all of the 82 temples and built more along with a new forum. He also tried to implement morals with laws that would govern marriage and family to rule out promiscuity. He very well also believed and supported literature. The Augustus of Prim Porta is important because it is one of the best-preserved portraits that is on display for all people. It shows the type ruler he created with his government with his stance and appearance. Octavian was very important to Roman history and culture due to all the positive change and building of the Roman empire. Aside from the reconstruction of temples and creating military forces he brought back peace to the people with the endings of civil wars. The strongest opponents are deceased and solider ended with wealth also gave him universal support.