Caesar Augustus

Early Life Augustus was born on September 23, 63 B.C.

in Rome His original name was Gaius Octavius, the

same as his father. This is why when referring to him in his early years he is mostly called Octavius.

He came from a wealthy family, although his father died when he was 4.

His mother was Julius Caesar’s Niece His Grandmother, who was mainly

responsible for raising him, was Julius Caesar’s sister.

Connections to Caesar

Octavius was a blood relative of Caesar’s (his mother was Caesar’s niece)

Octavius had once gone to fight with Caesar and when Caesar heard Octavius story of their shipwreck and difficult journey inland, he was very impressed

In Caesar’s will it states that he had adopted Octavius, making his new name Gauis Julius Caesar Octavianus.

After the Murder

At the time of Caesar’s death in 44 B.C. Octavian was in Apollonia. There, he studied to be an orator.

Octavian set off for Brundisium to persuade Caesar’s former troops to pledge allegiance to him.

He then set off for Rome to claim his rightful place as Caesar’s heir.

In Rome Once in Rome, Antony refuses to give

Octavian power. However the senate does not like that Antony is in power

Antony works to avenge Caesar by finding the murderers and warring against the Senate.

Octavian works with the Senate’s support to oppose Antony

Eventually Octavian turns on the Senate after they refuse to give him a triumph and he joins forces with Antony and Lepidus.

This formed the 2nd Triumvirate

Octavian takes complete control

At first the Triumvirate divided up the Mediterranean but eventually disagreements would lead to internal fighting.

Lepidus became less of a threat and the main battle for power was between Octavian and Antony.

Octavian used propaganda and his military skills to beat Antony and Cleopatra

He returned to Rome in 29 B.C. as the sole ruler of the area.

Gaining Power Octavian was able to become so powerful so quickly

due to his troops, money, and popularity with the people.

Upon returning to Rome he announced that he wanted to return Rome back into the Mos Maiorum, or the old ways of Rome.

In 27 B.C. he told the Senate that he wanted the Senate and the Roman people to rule the Roman World

The Senate was grateful that he had stepped down from power but insisted that he keep control over provinces such a Syria and Gaul

It is at this time that he also receives his title Augustus, which means revered.

Augustus Solidifies His Power In 23 B.C. Augustus finalized the plan for the

government. From the Senate he received the title of Tribune

of the People and the Title Proconsul The Senate also gave him tribunal power for life By this time Augustus had control over the

army, legislation, and commanded how the country would deal with foreigners.

He also took on the titles of Caesar, Imperator, and Commander and Chief of the army.

Augustus gains more Power

In 19 B.C. Augustus was given the powers of Consul and later was appointed high preist.

He also preformed the duties of the censor.

With all these titles Augustus soon became the first Emperor of Rome.

Titles of the Emperor

Princeps or the First Citizen Patria Patriae or Father of the People Pontifex Maximus or the High Priest of

Rome Augustus also was treated as a God

and Deified after his death like Julius Caesar.

Why it worked for Augustus

Augustus gained every title he assumed from the Senate

He avoided any association with the term “King”

He held the office and pleased the people and thus he secured the position of emperor.

Works cited http://www.roman-emperors.org/auggie.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/

augustus.shtml http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC?

vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=atla84535&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=1&AI=U13670016&NA=Augustus+Caesar&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1646300023&bConts=59

http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=atla84535&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=2&AI=U13670016&NA=Augustus+Caesar&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1631000333&bConts=59

Works Cited

http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC?vrsn=149&OP=contains&locID=atla84535&srchtp=name&ca=1&c=3&AI=U13670016&NA=Augustus+Caesar&ste=12&tbst=prp&tab=1&docNum=K1616000073&bConts=59

The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome by Don Nardo