This Day In History

On this day in 27BC, Gaius Octavius Thurinus (grand nephew of Roman general Julius Caesar) was awarded the title of Augustus (‘the revered one’) by the Roman Senate. Thus he became the first emperor of the Roman Empire, and the transition from republicanism to autocracy marked the birth of the Empire.

After his great uncle’s assassination in 44 BC, Octavius discovered that in Caesar’s will he had posthumously adopted him, thus making Octavius Caesar’s heir. Octavius then led a military dictatorship known as the Second Triumvirate and ruled along with Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. However, the three competed fiercely and eventually the dictatorship fell apart. After this, Octavius retained his autocratic rule (but he declined to take up the dictatorship Caesar had). He ruled through patronage and military power, using Rome’s legions to coerce the Senate into agreeing with him.

As Roman Emperor, Augustus expanded the Empire to include Egypt and many others, reformed taxation, developed roads and a courier system and created a standing army.

Augustus died on 19th August 14 AD aged 75. He was succeeded by his adopted son Tiberius. After his death the Senate declared him a god, and every subsequent emporer adopted his names Augustus and Caesar. Additionally, the 8th month of the Roman calendar (then called Sextilis) was renamed Augustus or ‘August’ after him.