Augustus, Gaius Octavianus (Reign: 27 BC - 14 AD)
The first Roman Emperor was born under the name Gaius Octavius on September 23rd, 63 BC. He received the formal name Gaius Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The title "Augustus" was given to him by the Roman Senate on January 16th, 27 BC.
His father was a member of a wealthy family of cavaliers. During his studies in Apollonia Augustus heard about the assassination of Caesar, who had adopted him and named him his principal heir in his will.
At the age of 19 Augustus turned out to be an excellent leader and politician. He set out to cure many illnesses of the Roman state and society. Many provinces were subdued in his reign and the Roman citizens and subjects enjoyed an economic thrive thanks to the peace, order and security he instilled. Alas, his last years were not happy ones. His family members died one after another and he was obliged to exile his only daughter, Julia, after she had been convicted of adultery. Augustus died on August 19th, 14 AD, and was deified by the Senate. By adopting Tiberius as his son back in 4 AD he in fact named him his successor. |
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