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Augustus Facts

Augustus Facts
Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, as well as a Roman statesman and military leader. He became one of history's most controversial but effective leaders in history. He was born Gaius Octavius Thurnus on September 23rd, 63 BC in Rome in the Roman Republic, to Gaius Octavius and Atia Balba Caesonia. His maternal great uncle was Julius Caesar. Julius was assassinated in 44 BC but had named his nephew as his adopted son and heir. His own father had died when he was 4 years old and after his mother remarried he was raised by Julius' sister Julia. When Julia died in 52 BC, his own mother and stepfather then took over to finish raising him. Octavius (Augustus) was engaged in military training and studying in Apollonia when Julius Caesar was killed. This day is referred to as the Ideas of March.
Interesting Augustus Facts:
In 43 BC, Octavius (Augustus), Marcus Lepidus, and Mark Antony formed the Second Triumvirate to find and defeat the murderers of Julius Caesar.
The Second Triumvirate branded approximately 120-300 senators, and 2,000 equites (second level of high ranking property owners) as outlaws and took their property and their lives if they did not escape.
The Second Triumvirate collapsed, likely due to conflicts among the three members. They brought an end to the Roman Republic.
In January 27 BC, the Roman Senate gave Octavian a new title - Augustus. Augustus means 'the illustrious one'. Augustus established the Roman Empire.
Augustus created the Praetorian Guard - originally as a bodyguard detail. It grew to guard the Italian Peninsula and maintain peace in Rome.
Augustus married three times during his life. Both of his first 2 marriages ended within 2 years. His third marriage lasted from 37 BC to his death.
Some historians believe that it was Augustus' wife that killed him - that she poisoned him to secure her son's title as next emperor. Her son was Augustus' stepson.
Augustus had only one child of his own during his life - a daughter named Julia. He married her off to his nephew, but when he died a few years later, he married her off to a friend named Aggripa who was over 22 years older than her.
Augustus was responsible for starting many of Rome's most famous building projects including the Baths of Agrippa, the Forum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Augustus, and the Temple of Caesar.
As the emperor of Rome, Augustus created the first police force and firefighting force.
Augustus created an army of 170,000 men to maintain his empire.
Augustus did not dress in fine clothing as his uncle Julius Caesar did - which many believe helped him seize power. This changed however after he had secured his place in power.
The month of August is named after Augustus. It was named as such in his honor in 8 BC. This month was chosen because many of his greatest triumphs occurred during this time. This also included his conquest of Egypt.
Augustus died on August 19, AD 14. It was suspected that he was poisoned but it is unlikely true. It is possible that it was assisted suicide ad he was in poor health.


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