But almost as soon as he arrived in Rome, Octavian was sent to Apollonia in Illyricum under Caesar’s orders, along with his friends Marcus Agrippa and Gaius Maecenas. By virtue of his adoption, following Roman custom, Octavian then assumed the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. Octavian learned a great deal about provincial administration, warfare and political manipulation while a part of his uncle’s entourage.Īt the end of the campaign in Spain, and Caesar’s return to Rome, Caesar adopted Octavian by testament as his heir (see adoption in Rome). This was the chance for Octavian to impress Caesar, and for Caesar to bring the Octavian under his wing. Caesar and Octavian’s time in Hispania was likely the first time the two were able to develop a close relationship. It was Octavian’s quick thinking to engage the enemy against Caesar’s orders that turned the tide of the battle and granted Caesar his last victory.Ĭaesar was very impressed with Octavian’s daring determination and courage. Caesar had placed Octavian as the cavalry commander of the Tenth Legion stationed in the rear as reserves. The following year, at the age of 18, Octavian followed Caesar to Spain, where the Caesar conducted the last battle of his career against the sons of Pompey at the battle of Munda. In 46 BC, Octavian took part in Caesar’s triumphal parades in Rome, earning himself some military award, despite taking no part in the effort. More importantly, his mother was Atia, the niece of Julius Caesar, making Octavian Caesar’s great nephew. His father was the novus homo Gaius Octavius, who had reached the rank of praetor and served as governor of Macedonia before dying when Octavian was a boy of only 4 years old in 58 BC. His surname Caesar and title Augustus would be taken by all subsequent Emperors in honor of one of Rome's greatest rulers.Īugustus was born in Rome as Gaius Octavius to a respectable but undistinguished family of the equestian order on September 23, 63 BC.
His military exploits would extend the Empire in almost every direction, with the borders he established to become the natural borders for the Empire for over 400 years. His rule is traditionally considered the greatest of the Roman Emperors, with the beginning of the Pax Romana, which continued for nearly two centuries after his death. He also reorganized the tax and financial systems of Rome, as well as prompting an age of great literacy and culture. He finished, repaired or rebuilt almost every great structure in Rome at the time. He established Rome's first permanent army and navy, police force and the world's first fire brigade.
He ended a century of civil wars and gave Rome an era of peace, prosperity, and imperial greatness. Although he preserved the outward form of the Roman Republic, he ruled as an autocrat for more than 40 years.
He would complete Caesar's dreams of unifying Rome under one man by reforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. After the years of civil war that followed, Octavian would defeat such enemies as Marcus Brutus, Gaius Cassius, Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt to emerge victoriously as Caesar Augustus and the first Roman Emperor. Octavius became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus after Caesar adopted Octavian as his son and heir before his assassination on the Ides of March. His great-uncle was Rome's greatest conqueror, Julius Caesar. Imperator Caesar Augustus ( 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), known earlier in his life as Gaius Octavius.
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