Caesar Augustus

     Civil war broke out in Rome after Caesar's murder. A civil war is a war within a nation. After thirteen years, Octavian's forces defeated the other armies and he became the sole ruler of Rome.

     Octavian took measures to earn the loyalty of the army. He gave the soldiers land near the city of Rome and granted them money when they retired. Once the soldiers retired, Octavian did not have to be concerned with the army turning on him. Further, Octavian knew he could count on their support if he was to be challenged by the Senate. Caligula said he got better advice from his horse than from the senate, so he appointed the horse as one of his top advisors.

     When Octavian became the sole ruler of Rome he did not call himself an emperor. He was very respectful to the Senators, but the Senate knew he controlled the army and could do as he pleased. Octavian ruled Rome for 41 years. The Senate gave him the title Augustus, which means "respected one."

     Caesar Augustus brought peace and good government to Rome. He made sure the lands throughout the empire were well run and taxes were fair. Augustus built libraries, government buildings, and huge public baths. The Roman army was so strong that it protected citizens from the attacks from the tribes who lived beyond the empire. The powerful, professionally trained forces were divided into large units called legions. Each legion would have as many as 6,000 soldiers. The two hundred year period that began with the rule of Caesar Augustus was known as the Pax Romana, or the "Peace of Rome."

     Many Romans deified Augustus after his death. This means they worshipped him as a god.

Rome

To cite this page:
Dowling, Mike., "The Electronic Passport to Caesar Augustus," available from http://www.mrdowling.com/702-augustus.html; Internet; updated Thursday, March 16, 2000 6:06 PM