Augustus
Augustus (63 BC-14 AD) Roman emperor, founder of the Roman empire. Born Gaius Octavius, he was known as Octavian from 44 to 27 BC, when he was given the title Augustus (`venerable’). He was introduced to public life by his great-uncle Julius Caesar and was from appointed as his successor (44 BC). Octavian emerged the civil wars that followed Caesar’s death as triumvir (joint ruler) of the Roman world with Mark Antony and Lepidus. Lepidus was forced to retire from the triumvirate and Antony was defeated at Actium (31 BC) and died the next year, leaving Octavian in supreme control. During his long reign, peace and stability prevailed throughout the Roman world; new public buildings were constructed and a fire brigade and police force were established in Rome.
