His nephew Marcellus and his beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he reluctantly made Tiberius his heir. But Drusus died in the process and in 9 AD the annihilation of three Roman legions in Germany (out of 28 overall), in the Varian disaster, led to the abandonment of Germany east of the Rhine.Īugustus was determined to be succeeded by someone of his own blood, but he had no sons, only a daughter, Julia, the child of his first wife. Between 16 BC and 6 AD the frontier was advanced from the Rhine to the Elbe in Germany, and up to the Danube along its entire length.
His stepsons Tiberius and Drusus undertook the task (Augustus had married their mother Livia in 38 BC). Augustus also ensured that his image was promoted throughout his empire by means of statues and coins.Ībroad, he created a standing army for the first time, and embarked upon a vigorous campaign of expansion designed to make Rome safe from the 'barbarians' beyond the frontiers, and to secure the Augustan peace. Rome was transformed with impressive new buildings and Augustus was a patron to Virgil, Horace and Propertius, the leading poets of the day. Nevertheless, he retained ultimate control of all aspects of the Roman state, with the army under his direct command.Īt home, he embarked on a large programme of reconstruction and social reform. His powers were hidden behind constitutional forms, and he took the name Augustus meaning 'lofty' or 'serene'. Instead of following Caesar's example and making himself dictator, Octavian in 27 BC founded the principate, a system of monarchy headed by an emperor holding power for life.
He fought to avenge Caesar and in 31 BC defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. In 43 BC his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was assassinated and in his will, Octavius, known as Octavian, was named as his heir. He replaced the Roman republic with an effective monarchy and during his long reign brought peace and stability.Īugustus was born Gaius Octavius on 23 September 63 BC in Rome. © Augustus was the first emperor of Rome.
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