Augustus was born as Gaius Octavius Thurinus on September 23, 63 BCE.1)
He was posthumously adopted by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, in his will and took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, later known as Octavian.2)
Augustus is considered the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BCE until his death in 14 CE.3)
He was only 19 years old when Julius Caesar was assassinated and he began his rise to power.4)
Augustus formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus in 43 BCE to defeat Caesar’s assassins.5)
Augustus and Antony defeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius, who were responsible for Caesar's assassination, at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE.6)
Augustus eventually fell out with Mark Antony, leading to a civil war.7)
In 31 BCE, Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, leading to his sole rule over Rome.8)
After their defeat, Cleopatra and Antony committed suicide, leaving Augustus the unchallenged ruler of Rome.9)
In 27 BCE, the Senate awarded him the title “Augustus,” meaning “the revered one,” marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.10)
Augustus held numerous titles and powers, including “Princeps” (First Citizen), “Imperator” (commander), and “Pontifex Maximus” (chief priest).11)
His reign initiated the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for over two centuries.12)
Augustus introduced laws aimed at moral reforms, including legislation against adultery and for the promotion of marriage and childbirth.13)
He left behind an account of his achievements called the “Res Gestae Divi Augusti,” which was inscribed on monuments across the empire.14)
Augustus built a grand mausoleum in Rome, where he and other members of the imperial family were buried.15)
Augustus famously claimed to have found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble, thanks to his extensive building projects.16)
He commissioned the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) in Rome, which symbolized the peace and prosperity brought by his reign.17)
Augustus carefully planned his succession, ultimately choosing his stepson, Tiberius, to follow him as emperor.18)
He was married to Livia Drusilla for over 50 years, and she played a significant role in his reign.19)
Augustus used propaganda, including art, literature, and coinage, to promote his image and legitimize his rule.20)
The poet Virgil wrote the “Aeneid” during Augustus’ reign, which glorified Rome's origins and Augustus' leadership.21)
The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, was maintained during Augustus' reign and later became the basis for the Gregorian calendar.22)
Augustus established the Praetorian Guard, an elite unit of soldiers tasked with protecting the emperor.23)
Although Augustus held supreme power, he maintained the appearance of Republican governance by working closely with the Senate.24)
Augustus experienced several personal tragedies, including the early deaths of his heirs, Marcellus, Gaius, and Lucius Caesar.25)
After his death, Augustus was deified by the Roman Senate, becoming one of Rome’s “Divine Emperors.”26)
Augustus’ image appeared on coins and statues across the empire, creating a unified imperial identity.27)
His close friend and general, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, was instrumental in many of Augustus' military and architectural successes.28)
After the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, Egypt was annexed as a province, becoming Augustus’ personal property.29)
Augustus reformed the administration of Rome’s provinces, creating a more efficient and centralized system of governance.30)
He revived traditional Roman religious practices and rebuilt numerous temples.31)
Augustus expanded the Roman Empire, securing its borders and establishing new provinces in Spain, Gaul, and the Balkans.32)
His reign is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Latin literature, with writers like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid flourishing under his patronage.33)
The “Pax Augusta,” or Augustan Peace, became synonymous with the stability and prosperity of his reign.34)
Tiberius, his successor, was reportedly reluctant to take on the role of emperor, preferring a more private life.35)
Augustus elevated the senatorial class and filled its ranks with loyal supporters to secure his position.36)
Augustus was often depicted in military attire or in the guise of a god, emphasizing his role as Rome’s protector.37)
He created a new priesthood, the Augustales, dedicated to the worship of his divine spirit.38)
Augustus’ birthday, September 23, was celebrated annually as a national holiday throughout the empire.39)
While promoting literature, Augustus also imposed censorship, exiling poets like Ovid for works he considered immoral or subversive.40)
Augustus often preferred diplomacy over direct military conquest, securing peace treaties with Parthia and other neighboring powers.41)
One of the most famous statues of Augustus, the Augustus of Prima Porta, shows him as an idealized, youthful ruler, symbolizing his authority and divine favor.42)
Augustus founded the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which ruled Rome for nearly a century.43)
Augustus died on August 19, 14 CE, in Nola, near Naples, after ruling for 41 years, making him one of the longest-reigning Roman emperors.44)
His reported last words were, “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble,” reflecting his transformative impact on the city. Another account claims his last words were to those around him: “Have I played my part well? Then applaud as I exit.”45)