The Roman Empire has a long list of Emperors during its time. Various Emperors famed for their cruelty, others loved for their charm, but by far the most famous was the very first Emperor of Rome, Augustus. Emperor Augustus was the very first emperor of Rome, considered one of the greatest to rule over the Roman Empire even after a hundred of those who followed him.
About Augustus
Augustus was a historic figure in Rome’s history by transforming the way the city-operated. Turning it from a republic to a successful empire by combining military might, restoration of construction, and pioneering lawmaking. Being the adopted son of the famous Julius Caesar, he resigned after his father’s death and won wars, laid foundations, and started a new era of Rome that lasted for nearly 1,500 years.
Augustus’ Early Beginnings
Augustus was first known as Gaius Octavius, born in 63 B.C., known for being quite a sickly boy with an illness that plagued him throughout his life. Despite this, he had a strong heart and mind, with his mother being the niece of Julius Caesar, who at the time was a great Roman military leader. Augustus trained in politics, military, and more, and by sixteen had impressed his uncle so much he join Caesar in the military. The two began so close that Caesar’s adopted him and made him his heir. However, when Augustus was just 17 years old, he became a part of the group who murdered Caesar, due to his adoptive father becoming a tyrant in his later years.
Augustus’ Reign
Although Augustus is known as the first emperor, his official title was not Emperor during his life, only appointed the title well after his death in 27 BC. Augustus is referred to as being one of the best emperors of Rome, being a successful beginning of the Roman Empire. His military knowledge and experience made his achievements in battle great. Known for securing Cleopatra’s treasures, paying his soldiers handsomely which ensured their loyalty, and expanding the Roman Empire by adding the areas in both Europe and Asia. Overall, he is best known for creating peace in the land, which lasted for his entire forty-year reign. Back in the centre of Rome, he began his creation of the new Rome, reconstructing the inner city’s buildings and expanding roads to outer regions. Due to his interests in beauty and the arts, he built stunning marble buildings that the Roman Empire was famous for. With him once stating “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble.”
Augustus’ death in 14 B.C created great grief within the city, seen as a god-like figure for all who lived within Rome. He was said to die of the unknown illness that he had since he was a boy. He was buried in the Roman Forum, with the entire city mourning his death for years afterwards.
