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⁾