This way he stayed away from any word that would have any connotation of monarchy or supremacy. However, he did not use this title but preferred to be called the Princeps or the first citizen. He was also titled Imperator, also known as Emperor in modern times. It comes from the word augury which is a practice of reading omens therefore, being named this meant the belief of his superiority. Augustus was a name that had never been used to call a man because of what it represented. The senate also gave him the name of Augustus. With that power, he was able to nominate Senate members. The Senate gave him power or a special imperium for a period of ten years, which was quite unusual for that time. However, before his announcement, he had already made deep connections with the members of the Senate and had much influence and control. His idea of a new government system, the new order, was better supported because of his clever decision to proclaim that he was transferring the power to the Senate and the people. Still remembering the cause of Julius Caesars assassination, he knew he had to treat the Senate with care and consideration. However, he knew that going against the Roman tradition would create much hostility. He came into power during a time of much civil war and disorder that only provided more evidence that the old republican form had failed and that an absolute monarchy was needed. When he came to power, he had to decide what kind of government he wanted. When he captured Egypt and seized Cleopatras treasures, he was able to have the needed funds to become the master of the Greco-Roman world. He eventually defeated Cleopatra and Antony at the Battle of Actium, which led to them committing suicide. Antony now had taken allegiance with Cleopatra, which caused Augustus to declare war. Noticing a weakness in his opponents, Augustus defeated and took the land of Lepidus and parts of Antonys. He also built statues to show his grandeur and had many military successes to compete with Antonys military seniority, such as winning foreign wars in Ilyricum and Dalmatia to protect the borders of Italy. He requested the deifying of Julius Caesar, which in turn resulted in him being the ∽ivi Filitus, the son of a god. By that time Augustus had gradually built up his image of being the best candidate to be the next ruler. However, the triumvirate did not last for long as power began to shift between the three and at 32 BC it officially ended. Augustus let go of his grudge against Mark Antony and formed an agreement with Antony and Lepidus to form the Second triumvirate, the first being the one with Julius Caesar. Mark Antony did not welcome this because he thought he would be the next ruler, but with Augustuss perseverance and patience, he gradually began his quest to win the allegiance of the public. He decided to take up the challenge and from that point on was known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianius or Octavian for short. Therefore, at Julius Caesars death, Augustus at only an age of 18 years old had to make the choice to either take this inheritance or not. Most importantly upon Julius Caesars assassination, in his will Julius Caesar adopted Augustus as his son and made him his chief personal heir. Even at a young age of 12 years old, Augustus was giving public speeches. He was the great nephew of Julius Caesar and it was Julius who helped launch Augustus career. Historical Background of the Site or TopicĪugustus or Caeser Augustus was known by many names such as Gaius Octavius, the name given to him when he was born on September 23, 63BC.
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