![]() In addition to their decorative function, they also served to create an image of the Emperor that he wished the people to see. Of course, these pieces had an alternative function. Who says you can’t have it all? Though he’s mostly remembered as a military commander, Augustus was also an avid supporter of the arts and commissioned many sculptures from Roman artists during his reign. He was a military ruler – and a patron of the arts After ordering Caesarion’s death, Octavian was left as the unrivalled ruler of the Roman Republic.ĭying to learn more about Ancient Rome? We’ve rounded up the best podcasts here. With a superior naval fleet, Octavian’s army claimed victory and the lovers committed suicide in Shakespearean-style fashion, creating the subject matter for many artistic depictions. Their forces met in the decisive battle of the Roman civil war, known as The Battle of Actium. A pragmatic and ambitious ruler, she was also mother to Julius Caesar’s sole heir, Caesarion which strengthened their claim to rule. Soon Mark Antony teamed up with the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. The Senate was divided in support for the two. That is, until it emerged Octavian was named in Caesar’s will. Mark Antony who had been a loyal supporter of Julius Caesar in the Senate and served as his general abroad, was the clear favourite to be named as his successor. ![]() Eventually, two politicians emerged as the forerunners for power: Mark Antony and Octavian. An unsteady triumvirate (or, three-way leadership) took grasp of the Roman Senate. … But only after a bitter war – against Antony and CleopatraĬleopatra – a major rival to Octavius’ rule – as painted by John William Waterhouse Photo via Wikicommons.Īfter Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC, the Roman Empire erupted into a bitter civil war. ![]() So it’s pretty unsurprising the people were keen to keep the peace! 4. He also vastly increased his bodyguard’s size, making up a total of nine cohorts, composed of 4,500 soldiers. While most of Rome’s leaders ensured their protection with a personal entourage (particularly during times of conflict), Augustus was the first to establish one permanently. He also introduced a personal bodyguard for himself called the ‘ Praetorian Guard‘ to ensure history didn’t repeat itself in the form of an assassination attempt, as befell his predecessor, Julius Caesar. He raised payments for his soldiers and rewarded them handsomely for quelling any would-be rebellions. Using his vast powers within the Senate, he marshalled extra forces to visit all of the conquered territories to ensure they were kept in-line. ![]() Augustus didn’t trust the Provincial governors to manage Rome’s tribute states and preferred to keep a close eye on them himself. This sounds idyllic but rather than a period of utopia-like harmony, it was more like one of heavily enforced hegemony. One of the most significant aspects of Augustus’ reign was that he ushered in a two hundred year long period of relative peace within the Roman Empire, which came to be known as Pax Romana. He is remembered for bringing about a 200 year long period of peace for the Roman Empire This might seem like a tall order, but not when one considers… 3. So combined, his name implies ‘adding to’ the already substantial legacy of his predecessor. Derived from the latin word ‘auger’ meaning ‘to increase’, the former part of his name, ‘Augustus’, means ‘serene’ or ‘exalted’. Augustus was well aware he needed to capitalise on his familial name to earn the people’s trust – even if he was only distantly related to Julius Caesar (more on this to come). In the world of Ancient Roman politics, public perception was everything. His name means “exalted”īorn Gaius Octavius (or Octavian), the young leader took the name ‘Augustus Caesar’ following Julius Caesar’s death. To his (and the Roman government’s) surprise the young eighteen year old was proclaimed Caesar’s successor when his will was read out in the Senate, igniting a bitter struggle for power. Though he was trained in from a young age and accompanied Julius on campaigns abroad, Octavius didn’t actually find out he was adopted until Julius was assassinated. His great-nephew, Gaius Octavius proved to be the lucky candidate. Soon, the time came when the Roman leader had no other option but to adopt his closest male relative, as was commonly done within the Roman Empire. … but he did name a month after himselfīusy ruling an Empire, Julius Caesar had only one legitimate daughter – Julia Caesaris – who passed away upon giving birth in 54 BCE. He never officially claimed the title of Emperor for himself … But only after a bitter war – against Antony and Cleopatra ![]() ![]()
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