2016-09-23 Fri

I found Rome a city of clay, and left it a city of Marble – Augustus Caesar! The first and the greatest Roman Emperor, Augustus who changed the course of history was born in a relatively obscure family. The year was 63 B.C., Augustus was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus on 23 September. As a young boy, he had maternal connections with Julius Caesar. His grandmother was Julia, sister of illustrious Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar was very impressed by young Octavius. He had no living legitimate children of his own; though he named Octavian as his successor and has left him three quarters of his estate and made him the successor after him.

Augustus was 18 years of age and away from Rome when the news of uncle’s assassination reached him. He immediately hurried back to Rome and began gathering political support in the Roman Senate as well as military support. Marc Antony, a famous general and relative of Julius Caesar, clashed with Octavian for the throne. Antony also allied with Cleopatra to claim the throne. At the Battle of Actium, Octavian's troops defeated Antony and Cleopatra's armies combined. Upon their defeat, Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide.

In August 29 Octavian entered Rome in triumph, the undisputed master of both Rome and Egypt. The rule of Augustus Caesar brings an unprecedented forty years of peace in Italy. Augustus reformed entire military and coinage system of the newly founded Roman Empire. He issued gold and silver coinage minted with his portrait.

The stability of Rome makes possible a flowering of the arts. The term Augustan Age came to represent the idea of cultural excellence. To commemorate Augustus Italy post issued stamps with his portrait.