Gaius julius caesar children professional#

Thus, he did his best to portray himself as an unwilling ruler, a man who did not seek power for his own sake. Since the removal of their last king, the Romans had an aversion against absolutist rule.

Yet, while Augustus became the first Roman emperor, he was careful not to show off. In 27 CE, the Senate gave Octavian the titles of Princeps (“the first citizen”) and Augustus (“the illustrious one”). Soon, the Republic was no more, its place occupied by a new polity the Roman Empire. The victory at Actium in 31 BCE left Octavian the sole ruler of the Roman world. What started as a campaign of revenge against Caesar’s murderers escalated into a bloody civil war between Octavian and Mark Antony. Octavian’s adoption ignited a bitter power struggle. Octavian to Augustus, Emperor in All but Name The Emperor Augustus Rebuking Cornelius Cinna For His Treachery (detail), by Étienne-Jean Delécluze, 1814, via Art UK Upon his adoption, Octavius took the name Gaius Julius Caesar, but we know him as Octavian.Ģ. One could only imagine Octavius’ surprise when he realized that Caesar had adopted him and named him his only heir. Worried about his security and his future, he rushed to Rome. Then, in 44 BCE, the news of Caesar’s assassination reached Octavius, while he was undertaking military training in Apollonia (modern-day Albania). The act impressed his great uncle, who began to groom Octavius for a political career. Nevertheless, the young man (he was 17) crossed the dangerous terrain and reached Caesar’s camp. However, on the way to Spain, Octavius was shipwrecked in hostile territory. At that time, Caesar was in Spain, waging war against Pompey the Great. Eventually, she gave way, and in 46 BCE, Octavius finally left Italy to meet his famous relative. The boy’s protective mother did not allow him to join Caesar on campaign. Born in 63 BCE, Gaius Octavius spent most of his early life far from his famous relative, while Caesar was busy conquering Gaul. His great-nephew proved to be an ideal candidate. Augustus’ Great-Uncle and Adopted Father Was Julius Caesar Portrait of Octavian, 35-29 BCE, via Musei Capitolini, RomeĪfter Julius Caesar’s only legitimate daughter, Julia, died in childbirth, the great general and statesman had to look elsewhere for his much-desired heir. Instead, here are five lesser-known facts about the most famous of the Romans.ġ. His achievements are too numerous to list. Thanks to the emperor’s efforts, Rome could enjoy almost two centuries of relative peace and stability, which allowed it to become the ancient world’s superpower. Augustus’ extensive building program reshaped the landscape of the city of Rome as well as the provinces.

Gaius julius caesar children professional#

The new borders were protected by a professional standing army, loyal only to the emperor, while the Praetorian Guard, Augustus’ own creation, kept the ruler and the imperial family safe. As Augustus, he presided over numerous reforms, from the army to the economy, which bolstered Rome’s might and influence, nearly doubling the imperial territory. Octavian became Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Octavian brought an end to the decades of bloody conflict that tore the Roman Republic apart. Octavian, better known as Augustus, is one of the most significant figures in world history. Audience with Agrippa, by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1876, via Art UK