Gaius Octavius Augustus First Emperor of the Roman Empire

Gaius Octavius Augustus First Emperor of the Roman Empire Clinton Jenkins Hum 121 Octavius Research Paper 10/11/12 Gaius Octavius Augustus First Emperor of the Roman Empire Gaius Octavius, better known to historians as Augustus, succeeded his great uncle Julius Caesar following his assassination. In his wake, Augustus would become the first Emperor of the newly formed Roman Empire and bring massive, sweeping revisions to Roman law as well as centralize the government, military and economic currency of the Empire. He also reemphasized the importance of art, music and literature in Roman culture, bringing about a new era of historically important artists, poets, sculptors, scribes and philosophers. While the beginnings†¦show more content†¦Augustus familial ties with Caesar are perhaps most important in his ascension to power. While just a boy he had no public image or standing therefore he had no power according to Roman culture. He was not recognized as anyone of importance in the eyes of the senate or citizenry of The Republic. However when taken under the wing of Caesar, one of the most powerful and loved men in all of Rome, he marches with him in the victory parades of Caesars military conquest of Africa, Romes newest conquest which included Egypt and its infamous Queen Cleopatra. He also accompanied Caesar into battle in his final conquest of Spain. These events placed Octavius into the spotlight of public life where according to the Roman ideologies of courage, bravery, strength, loyalty, military conquest, glory and honor he won their praise and acceptance. He was also a noted scholar, tactician and aristocrat; a gifted orator, he embodied everything it meant to be a citizen of Rome, honorable, courageous, brilliant and cunning. Following the assassination of Caesar, in accordance with his great uncles will, Octavius held celebratory games in Caesars honor. Doing so, at great personal expense, he garnered the overwhelming support of the public as well as Caesars legions of troops. Due to the huge importance the Roman citizenry placed on games Augustus won the support of theShow MoreRelatedContributions of Augustus to the founding of the Roman Empire1805 Words   |  8 Pagesthrough the change from a Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, and only one man could change this. Augustus. Augustus was the first Roman Emperor, and quite frankly the founder of the Roman Empire. Augustus commanded legions of Roman Soldiers, reformed the populous to run more efficiently and started the long reign of Emperors in Rome. Augustus was the sole reason the Roman Empire rose from the ashes of the republic. 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