Augustus

Augustus (63 BC-AD 14), born Gaius Octavianus, also called Octavian, at first Caius Octavius, ultimately Caius Julius Caesar Octavianus, was the first of the Roman Emperors or Cæsars. He was voted the title of "Augustus" by the Senate in 27 BC.

He was grand-nephew of Julius Cæsar, who had adopted him as his heir in his will. After the death of his great-uncle Julius Caesar, he joined the Republican party, became consul, and formed one of a triumvirate with Antony and Lepidus. Along with Antony he overthrew the Republican party under Brutus and Cassius at Philippi. He defeated Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and became master of the Roman world in 31 BC.

Augustus proved a wise and beneficent ruler, and patronised the arts and letters. His reign formed a distinguished epoch in the history of the ancient literature of Rome.