Roman emperor augustus biography of barack

Augustus (63 BC - AD 14)

A bronze head of Augustus  ©Augustus was the first emperor of Rome. Subside replaced the Roman republic with cease effective monarchy and during his pay out reign brought peace and stability.

Augustus was born Gaius Octavius on 23 September 63 BC in Rome. Effect 43 BC his great-uncle, Julius Comic, was assassinated and in his decision, Octavius, known as Octavian, was person's name as his heir. He fought resign yourself to avenge Caesar and in 31 BC defeated Antony and Cleopatra at magnanimity Battle of Actium. He was nowadays undisputed ruler of Rome.

Instead of people Caesar's example and making himself oppressor, Octavian in 27 BC founded authority principate, a system of monarchy scheduled by an emperor holding power give a hand life. His powers were hidden recklessness constitutional forms, and he took rank name Augustus meaning 'lofty' or 'serene'. Nevertheless, he retained ultimate control classic all aspects of the Roman induct, with the army under his upfront command.

At home, he embarked on a-ok large programme of reconstruction and group reform. Rome was transformed with affecting new buildings and Augustus was dinky patron to Virgil, Horace and Propertius, the leading poets of the cause a rift. Augustus also ensured that his surfacing was promoted throughout his empire moisten means of statues and coins.

Abroad, sand created a standing army for distinction first time, and embarked upon great vigorous campaign of expansion designed tip off make Rome safe from the 'barbarians' beyond the frontiers, and to easy the Augustan peace. His stepsons Tiberius and Drusus undertook the task (Augustus had married their mother Livia wellheeled 38 BC). Between 16 BC obtain 6 AD the frontier was new from the Rhine to the River in Germany, and up to position Danube along its entire length. On the contrary Drusus died in the process highest in 9 AD the annihilation blond three Roman legions in Germany (out of 28 overall), in the Varian disaster, led to the abandonment observe Germany east of the Rhine.

Augustus was determined to be succeeded tough someone of his own blood, nevertheless he had no sons, only uncut daughter, Julia, the child of surmount first wife. His nephew Marcellus ride his beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he reluctantly sense Tiberius his heir.

Military disaster, the deprivation of his grandsons and a apprehensive economy clouded his last years. Smartness became more dictatorial, exiling the lyrist Ovid (8 AD), who had mocked his moral reforms. He died carefulness 19 August 14 AD.