Augustus
A member of the Silent Generation generation, Augustus was born in -0062 in Rome and went on to become a celebrated Politician.
first emperor of the Roman Empire and founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty
"Augustus's defining career moment was the establishment of the Pax Romana, a period of unprecedented peace and stability lasting over two centuries." — About Augustus
| Metric | Augustus | Avg Politician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 75 | 70 | +5 yrs |
| Career length | 57 yrs | ~35 yrs | +22 yrs |
| Based on 39 Politician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Augustus
Did you know that Augustus, despite his immense power and long reign, was often plagued by fragile health throughout his life, suffering from numerous ailments including a weak stomach and bladder stones?
- His birth name was Gaius Octavius; he became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus after Caesar's posthumous adoption.
- He famously preferred the title 'Princeps' (first citizen) to avoid the monarchical connotations of 'Rex' (king).
- Augustus banished his own daughter, Julia the Elder, for adultery and treason, a scandal that shook Roman society.
- He established the Praetorian Guard, originally his personal bodyguards, who later played a significant role in imperial succession.
- Despite being a powerful emperor, he maintained a modest personal residence on the Palatine Hill, avoiding ostentatious displays.
Augustus's defining career moment was the establishment of the Pax Romana, a period of unprecedented peace and stability lasting over two centuries. After decades of civil war, he masterfully consolidated power, reformed the military, and restructured the Roman state, laying the enduring foundations for the Roman Empire.
His reign marked the definitive end of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire, fundamentally shaping Western civilization's political and legal systems. Augustus's architectural projects and promotion of arts also left an indelible cultural mark on Rome.