This paper looks into the life of the man who changed the Roman republic to the Roman Empire hence becoming the first Roman emperor. Highlighted in this paper are some of his political and military abilities. The social, economic and religious context in which Augustus operated in his time is also discussed. Finally, the paper looks into how Emperor Augustus impacted the social, economic and political trends of the Roman Empire.
A brief biography
Emperor Augustus was born Gaius Octavius on September 23, 63 BC in Rome (Southern, p 1). He was born to Gaius Octavius his father and Atia his mother. His family was renowned by its wealth and prosperity with the members of the family running banking businesses at Valitrae. The parents had moved from Valitrae to Rome by the time Augustus was born. Octavius, father to Octavius, entered into Roman politics at around 70BC in his appointed position of a quaestor. The political career of his father may have led to the later political dominance of his son although little known to him. It is to be remembered that Atia, Augustus mother, was the daughter of Atius Balbus from Aricia, and his wife Julia, the sister of Julius Ceasor (Southern, p 2). Augustus (by this time still known as Gaius Octavius) was brought up knowing Julius Caesar more than he probably knew his father since he was absent governing Macedonia.
Following the death of his father, Augustus was taken by Caesar and it is claimed that he started preparing him to be his successor. Octavius was for instance elected in 48BC to join the pontifical college in addition to being involved in Caesars military celebrations of the 46BC where he even earned military honors (Fagan, para 6). Octavius also on several occasions accompanied Caesar to wars such as the 45BC war in Spain against Pompenians and Mundas. Such brevity at a tender age made him gain much admiration from Caesar. Fortunately or unfortunately, Caesar was brutally killed in March 44BC.
Political and military ability
After learning of Caesars death, Octavius secretly went back to Rome only to find out that Caesar had named him as his successor. Although his family tried to discouraged him from accepting the succession seeing that Casear had earned so much enmity, Octavius braved himself and went to join a large troop that was in Brundisium. Octavius was now getting into politics and he changed his name to C. Julius Caesar Octavianus as per the Roman custom (Fagan, para 8). Organizing the troops at Brundisium, Octavius, now known as Octavian, moved into Rome and through his organized military, he successfully overcame Mark Antony who was a great rival to Caesar in 43 BC. Gaining popularity among the people and the Senate for his ability to restore peace and bringing dictatorship to an end, Octavian was given the name Augustus. Octavian was involved in several successful battles through his military expedience such as the war against Brutus and Cassisus as well as the war against Sextus Pompeius. From these wars, he gained a lot of favor and fame from his uncles enemies thus presenting himself as a reconciler.
It is important to note that Octavian introduced a new political system known as the principate rule with an emperor as the head of the monarchy and being bestowed with power for life.
Social, economic and religious condition
By the time Augustus came to be established as an emperor in the Roman state, the republic was disintegrated especially in the high ranks of power. There were many divisions generally coming from the hatred that Caesar had earned himself through his dictatorial leadership. The state was not stable due to the many wars that it was involved in and therefore its infrastructure and economy was in a dilapidated state. Thanks to the coming of Augusts who focused on social reforms by instituting reconstruction endeavors. Augustus went in record for his ability to transform Rome by installing new and impressive buildings among other infrastructure. In the largest part of his reign, Augustus was able to make the Roman currency stable and sound moving it from its failing state during the civil wars prior to his reign. It is during his reign that an efficient postal system was established in addition to connecting Roman Empire through a highway system. With him, literature was established with many poets and writers being under his patronage (Lucidcafe Library, para 5).
It was only unfortunate that the economy startled shaking in addition to military misfortunes during his last days of reign. This may have forced him to become a bit dictatorial. Augustus can be said to have met his death in August 19, 14 AD having achieved greatly for his empire and the whole of Western Europe.
Conclusion
Augustus was certainly and exemplary leader who enabled the Roman Empire to stand for many years social, economically, politically and military wise. Even with a few shortcomings in his leadership, his reign was more of a success story to be told now and in ages to come.
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