Augustus
How Augustus Came To Power
Augustus, formerly known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus was born
on September 23 in 63 BC.
He ended a century of civil wars in Rome. He introduced the Pax Romana
which means Roman Peace.
Caesar who had no children adopted Augustus as his son and main heir.
When Augustus (Then Octavian) attempted to secure his inheritance left
by Caesar he was accepted by most because of his act of paying 75
denarii to each person and organising games for the people. Though some
did not give him such a warm welcome, these included Antony and
Cicero. Cicero expressed his displeasure towards Octavian in a letter to
Atticus, he said
“...there are too many around him. They threaten death to our friends and
call the present state of affairs intolerable.”
How Augustus Maintained His Power
Augustus established and maintained his power in a number of different
ways.
One way in which Augustus maintained his power among the people of
Rome was through the senate and his elimination of opposition, the power
was maintained through the consul and the fawning nature of the senate.
Another aspect which contributed to Augustus maintaining his power was
the reforms and policies that he introduced. These included his extensive
building programs, and how the province would be ruled, which promoted
efficiency, justice, security, and old virtues.
Within the senate Augustus made many changes and one of these was to
restore dignity and responsibility, which was to encourage members to
take more interest and take their duties seriously. Suetonius on Augustus's
changes stated that,
“ This was intended to make all present take an alert interest in
proceedings and feel responsible for constructive thought...”
Augustus' Character
There has been a lot of information written on Augustus and his
personality and character traits. The official writers say nothing bad and
those who wrote against him were usually bias because they were often
writing in exile from Rome.
When rising into power he could be described as ruthless. Those who had
enough power to oppose him were murdered or went into battle with him.
e.g. The battle of Actium (in which Augustus defeated the army of
Cleopatra and Antony). However after this one could say that he put that
cruel character aside and assumed a different mask. He made the senate
and the people think that they 'needed' him. He was very manipulative.
Tacitus spoke against Augustus and says,
“Thereafter men could hope for nothing from the gods, the gods could
give nothing to men, nothing could be the object of prayer and the gift of
good fortune, which Augustus did not bestow upon the republic and upon
the world after his return from the city.”
Augustus' Impact On Roman Life
Augustus' policies certainly extended the Empire's life span and initiated
the celebrated Pax Romana. He is said to be not as charismatic as his
adoptive father Julius Caesar, though his legacy proved more enduring.
Augustus majorly transformed the city of Rome. This was with Rome's
first institutionalised police force, fire fighting force and a standing army
and he revived ancient customs of religion because he felt that they had
been neglected. Augustus wrote an official record of his achievements
called the Res Gestae. In this document he presents all of his
achievements in a favourable light to show
“...the expenses which he bore for the state and the people of Rome.”
(Augustus)
The Nature of Augustus' Decline
Augustus reigned for forty years from January 27 BC to 14 AD. He lived
a long life, though started to get sick in 23 BC. This brought into question
who would be his successor. He was intent to make Giaus and Lucius
Caesar his heirs and adopted them both as his sons. In 14 AD on the 19th
of August Augustus died.
Augustus' last words to the public were
“Behold I found Rome of clay, and leave her to you of marble.”