Octavian Biography

A man of many names, talents, and titles, Octavian is one of the most well-known and important Romans of all time. Gaius Octavius was born on September 23, 63 B.C. He was born into a wealthy and powerful family that resided just southeast of Rome. His father was a Roman senator and Praetor. Unfortunately, his father died just 4 years after Octavian was born. His Grandmother was the sister of the great Julius Caesar. When his Grandmother died, Octavian delivered the funeral oration, showing his great promise in speaking and taking action. Caesar played a huge role in bringing Octavian into Roman life. He enjoyed Caesar’s company, and Caesar his. At 17, he accompanied Caesar on his “victory parade” after he won a major battle in Africa. At …show more content…
Antony agreed to send Octavian ships in return for troops. The ships were given, but Octavian never sent the troops. The power of the triumvirate was beginning to shift. Octavian had defeated Pompeius and forced Lepidus out of his triumvirate position by defeating him. Octavian was winning more supporters than Antony because he worshiped Apollo, while Antony worshipped the less popular Bacchus. The Triumvirate officially ended in 32 B.C. Antony married Cleopatra and moved to Egypt with her. Octavian declared war against Antony and Cleopatra. Octavian won the war, and Antony and Cleopatra ended up committing suicide. After executing Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s son, Octavian annexed Egypt. In January 27 BC, he met with the senate and decided that he would hand all of his land and all of his power over to them. After the meeting, members of the senate begged him to remain a part because rome “would fall apart without him.” It was very likely that this was set up by Octavian himself. He allowed it to appear that he had been persuaded to come back to power. For his apparent self-sacrifice many honors were bestowed upon him, including the name "Augustus,". Augustus is translated as “the illustrious one”. The Roman Principate was established and he was now the emperor. He was now in full control. In 23 BC, he became ill and nearly died. Augustus resigned as consul but took a took an imperius majus …show more content…
He was one of the greatest administrative geniuses in history. The Pax Romana started during the reign of Augustus. This was a great time of Roman peace and achievement. Augustus was very well cultured and was the author of many works; unfortunately most of them are lost He loved his wife Livia Drusilla, but he still remained unfaithful, like many other Romans of the time. Augustus exiled his daughter, Julia, for offending against his public moral attitudes He also exiled her son and daughter by Agrippa During his time, many beautiful buildings were built, such as the Theatre of marcellus and the forum of Augustus Roman literature flourished during his reign. The Aeneid, one of the most famous books of all time, was written at the request of Augustus himself. He reorganized the army and created a permanent navy. The month of August is named after Augustus. Before the rename, it was called sextillis, since it was the 6th roman month He restored those Roman virtues that has fallen out during the Republic. Augustus reformed the religious structure of Rome by filling the vacancies in the priesthoods and by repairing old temples and building new ones. Augustus also encouraged the people to worship his own being. In 14 A.D., Augustus fell gravely ill. He died on August 19, 14 A.D. Augustus will forever be known as one of the greatest Romans of all time. Augustus set a great precedent for the other emperors to follow. He was a