THE ROMAN TIMES THE GREATEST NEWS THE ROMANS CAN GET Wednesday, August 19th, 14 A.D Rome, Italy

ROMAN EMPEROR DEAD AUGUSTUS THE FIRST EMPEROR HAS PASSED By Amandus Wermanus

One of Roman’s greatest leaders by everyone and at the age of 32, he became has passed away. Augustus died today at the first emperor of Rome. This was the Nola, in Campania at the age of 77. One of beginning of “The Augustan Age” and also Augustus’ closest friends said, “He was a the beginning of a long era called the Pax strong and powerful leader for forty two Romana or “Great Roman Peace.” One years and he will be missed very much.” senator said, “He promised his people that Augustus’ real name was Gaius Julius he would build a firm and lasting foundation Octavius born on September 23, 63 B.C.E. for the government of Rome and he did.” His father Gaius Octavius died when he was Augustus made many reforms to four and his mother was the daughter of Roman government and life. He Julia, who was the sister of Julius Caesar. reorganized the army during his reign, raised Julius Caesar adopted Octavius since he soldiers’ pay and established regular didn’t have a son. Later in his life, the government senate changed Octavius’ name to Augustus. pensions of land After Julius Caesar died, Augustus and money for wanted to claim the throne. He formed a retired soldiers. strategic alliance with Marc Antony, a In the provinces, successful and ambitious general. They Augustus defeated their enemies in Rome which was removed all of one of the bloodiest battles in Roman the corrupt history. After they defeated their enemies, governors and they split the empire and Augustus kept put in capable Rome and Antony took Egypt. While administrators Antony was in Egypt, he fell in love with who ruled fairly. Cleopatra, Egypt’s Queen. “Cleopatra He also created a civil service system. This wanted all of Rome and Antony turned system qualified the poor to work and help against Augustus. He knew that Cleopatra run the government. and Antony wanted Rome, so he attacked Augustus’ policies augmented trade. Egypt,” said Augustus’ wife. Augustus won Roads were safe to travel, trade networks the “Battle of Actium” in 31 BC which were expanded on both land and sea, and destroyed three-quarters of the Egyptian living standards increased for middle and fleet and this led to the death of Cleopatra uppers classes. Augustus was known as one and Marc Antony. When Augustus came of the most talented, energetic and skillful back to Rome he was a hero. He was loved rulers of all time. After governing Rome for 42 years, his health started to decline. According to his wife, while lying on his death bed, he said “since well I’ve done my part, clap now your hands and with applause dismiss me from this stage.” Augustus then kissed his wife goodbye and died peacefully. Millions of people are mourning right now, including me. They are cremating his body and saying their last goodbyes to the greatest Roman Emperor who ever ruled.

Resources: http://pbs.org/empires/romans/empire augustus.html

The Roman Empire, Don Nardo

Ancient Greece and Rome Volume 1