Augustus was born in Rome on September 23, 63 B. C. He was originally named Gaius Octavianus, but when his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, was murdered, he took his name. Augustus real father died when his son was only four. Augustus was adopted in Julius Caesars will and was left to be his heir at the age of eighteen. Caesar was very fond of his grand-nephew and he sent him to the College of Pontifices at the age of sixteen. When Caesar was assassinated, Augustus was in Illyria, where he was sent to serve.
It was only when he returned to Italy that he learned he was his great-uncles heir. Caesars death brought turmoil to into Rome. Augustus was determined to avenge his adopted fathers death and vied with two of his chief rivals for power, Mark Antony and Lepidus. After some minor conflicts and disputes, both military and political, Augustus realized the importance and significance of making peace with his rivals. Through these small skirmishes, Antony was driven across the Alps, while Augustus was made senator and then consul.
Soon after, Augustus and Antony were joined by Antonys ally. They met and formed the Second Triumvirate to rule the Roman domains. Their alliance was sealed by a huge proscription in which 300 senators and 200 knights were killed. These were the Triumvirs enemies. At Philippi in 42 B. C. , they defeated the republican army. The leaders of this army were Brutus and Cassius, who were also the leaders of Caesars assassination. Soon after their defeat, both committed suicide. Antony and Augustus soon after divided Rome between them.
Augustus took over Italy and the West, while Antony ruled the East. Lepidus was given Africa. Augustus and Antony had their differences when assigning the ruler of Italy, but they were over come when Augustus gave Antony his sister in marriage. Augustus stripped Lepidus of his power when Antony was away in the east fighting the Parthians. The Triumvirate was falling apart. Antony started neglecting his provinces and spent time in sent his wife back to Rome and married the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. Cleopatra had been installed as queen by Caesar.
She had a son with Caesar named Caesarion and recognized him as her coruler. This undercut Augustus position as Caesars only son and the war was inevitable. Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatras forces in a naval battle and the following year, the two committed suicide. Caesarion was murdered. Augustus returned to Rome and at the age of 34, he was the sole master of the Roman world. (Augustus, 1996) In 27 B. C. , the Roman Senate gave Augustus his name. The name Augustus means consecrated or holy, implying that Augustus was more than a man, but not quite a god.
The Senate gave him other great names and titles that had been held by other officials in the Republic. They also gave him the legal power to rule Rome’s religious, civil and military affairs, with the Senate as an advisory body, effectively making him Emperor. After the death of Lepidus, he gained even more power with the title of Pontifex Maximus, or chief priest. Later, Augustus was named Pater Patriae (father of his country). All these titles and power given to Augustus effectively made him the Emperor of Rome. (Augustus, p. 672)
Now in full control of Rome, Augustus wanted to glorify his country. He restored peace after 100 years of a civil war and obtained and maintained an honest government system. He developed a currency system and built a highway that connected Rome with the rest of its country. He established an efficient postal service, allowed free trade among all provinces, and built many bridges and buildings that were later seen as works of art. Great writers such as Virgil, Horace, Livy, and Ovid wrote about Augustus and the era that was later known as the Augustan age.
He was said to had found Rome brick and left it marble by many. He also tried to restore agriculture in Italy. Augustus third wife, Livia Drusilla, had two sons from a previous marriage. Augustus had a daughter named Julia, who was also from another marriage of his. Julia had two sons, both of which Augustus outlived. His heirs died one after another, leaving his stepson, Tiberius, to succeed him. Augustus died at the age of 75, although he was never said to be in good health. He died at Nola on August 19, A. D. 14. After his death, the people of Rome worshipped Augustus as a god.