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Caesar Augustus
Octavian restored peace and order to Rome. He made sure the lands throughout the empire were well run and taxes were fair. Octavian built massive roads and bridges, government buildings, and huge public baths. He said, “I left Rome a city of marble, though I found it a city of bricks.” The Roman people awarded Octavian with the title Augustus, which means, “respected one.” Many Romans deified Augustus after his death. This means they worshipped him as a god. Augustus ruled Rome for 41 years, though he did not call himself an emperor. He was careful to not meet the same fate as his great granduncle. Augustus was very respectful to the senators, but the Senate knew he controlled the army and could do as he pleased. The Roman army was so strong that it protected citizens from attacks from the tribes who lived beyond the empire. The powerful, professionally trained forces were divided into large units called legions. Each legion would have as many as 6,000 soldiers. The two hundred year period that began with the rule of Caesar Augustus was known as the Pax Romana, or the “Peace of Rome.” |
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To cite this page: |
With
the death of Marc Antony in 31BC,
Octavian became the sole ruler of Rome. Octavian took measures to earn
the loyalty of the Roman army. He encouraged the soldiers to retire from
the army by providing them with land. Once the soldiers retired, Octavian
did not have to be concerned with the army turning on him. Further, Octavian
knew he could count on the soldiers’ support if he was challenged
by the Senate.