Who was the first emperor of Rome?
Augustus was the first Roman emperor. Born Octavian, he became sole ruler after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra and was given the title Augustus in 27 BC.
Octavian was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, he fought his way to power, first sharing control and then defeating Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
In 27 BC, the Senate gave him the name Augustus, meaning revered. He kept the appearance of the old republic but held real power for the rest of his life. His long reign began a period of relative peace called the Pax Romana.
His achievements
Augustus reformed the army and taxes, built roads, temples and public buildings and famously claimed he found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble. He died in AD 14, and his stepson Tiberius succeeded him.
Did You Know?
The month of August is named after Augustus, just as July is named after Julius Caesar.