Augustus-Octavian-Caesar 63 B.C. – 14 A.D. Rome • Nephew of Julius Caesar; educated in Greece; not very tall. • Fought alongside Julius Caesar in Spain in 46 B.C.; became of high-level military officer by 44 B.C., when Julius is assassinated. • Formed “second triumvirate” with Marc Antony and Lepidus; uneasy alliance; Cicero backs Octavian, at least at first. • Personal tensions between Antony and Octavian, never good, worsened; Antony dumps Octavian’s sister for Cleopatra; Octavian publicly doubts Antony’s loyalty to Rome; Octavian’s army defeats Antony’s and Cleopatra’s armies at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.; way is now clear for Octavian to grab all power, and eventually become emperor. In various political stages, different titles will be given to Octavian, as he solidifies his power: pater patria, pontifex maximus, princeps, etc. Keeps appearance of Senate to pretend that there is some democracy. • Names Tiberius as successor. • During the reign of Octavian, literature will flourish: Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and Livy. The empire will expand: Spain, Gaul, and the Yugoslavian areas of Dalmatia and Panonia. He built or renovated many public buildings, many impressive marble structures; he built roads and bridges. • Octavian-Augustus credited with bringing stability to the empire after a century of bloody civil war. Took an important census and re-organized the colonies, provinces, and territories. • Stabilized society by punishing adultery and discouraging divorce. He strengthened already-existing laws against incest, polygamy, underage marriage, and same-sex behavior. He encouraged parents to support and care for their children. Conducted an honest government, reduced bribery. • But in his own personal life, his relationships with his wife and his daughter were not happy. .