With his determined stand he soon succeeded in winning over many of Caesar’s supporters, including some of the legions. But Octavian refused to accept this attitude. Though when he arrived Octavian found power in the hands of Mark Antony and Aemilius Lepidus. ![]() No doubt this only increased his desire to avenge Caesar’s murder. And he was to take a senior military command in Caesar’s planned Parthian expedition of 44 BC, although at the time being only 18 years old.īut Octavian was with his friends Marcus Agrippa and Marcus Salvidienus Rufus in Apollonia in Epirus completing his academic and military studies, when news reached him of Caesar’s assassination.Īt once he returned to Rome, learning on the way that Caesar had adopted him in his will. Octavian served under Julius Caesar in the Spanish expedition of 46 BC despite his delicate health. His public moral attitudes were strict (he had been appointed pontifex (priest) at the age of fifteen or sixteen) and he exiled his daughter and his grand-daughter, both named Julia, for offending against these principles. He was tolerant of criticism, possessed a good sense of humour, and had a particular fondness for playing dice, but often provided his guests with money to place bets.Īlthough unfaithful to his wife Livia Drusilla, he remained deeply devoted to her. For he was still prepared to be ruthless when necessary. This, however, might just be because, as his position became more secure, the need for brutality lessened. His body was covered in spots and he had many birthmarks scattered over his chest and belly.Īs for his character it is said that he was cruel when young, but became mild later on. Though he suffered from bad teeth and was generally of feeble health. He was of short stature, handsome and well proportioned and he possessed that commodity so rare in rulers – grace. She was the daughter of Julia, sister to Julius Caesar. It was his mother who had the more distinguished connection. His father, Gaius Octavius, was the first in the family to become a senator, but died when Octavian was only four. The future emperor Augustus was born into an equestrian family as Gaius Octavius at Rome on 23 September 63 BC. Married (1) Claudia, (2) Scribonia (one daughter Julia), (3) Drusilia (one son Tiberius).Effectively became emperor in 27 BC, with extended powers in 23 BC.Son of Gaius Octavius and Aita, niece of Julius Caesar, who adopted him as his heir.Constantine the Great finally became emperor in the West, while Licinius ruled in the East. After Diocletian and Maximianus retired, fighting among would-be rulers broke out. ![]() However, the Tetrarchy lasted only 20 years. The empire was split into Greek and Latin-speaking portions, in the region encompassing present-day Yugoslavia southward, and including Africa. One co-emperor and Caesar ruled the East, and the other pair ruled the West. As a result, these upheavals spelled economic disaster, causing dissatisfaction with the government and internal unrest.ĭiocletian realized the empire was too large for one man to rule, so he established a system of government called the Tetrarchy, made up of two co-emperors and two Caesars. ![]() Peasants could not work the land, tradesmen lacked supplies for their crafts, and landowners had no income for taxes. The attacks and internal unrest caused economic upheaval. Plus, the size of the Roman state made it difficult to defend against increasing border attacks. Because of the empire's size, the emperor needed strong, trustworthy generals, who commanded the respect of the army. At one time the Senate awarded the title of emperor, but over the years their power diminished as the military's grew, and they began to name men from their own ranks. Two factors were at work in the subsequent division of the Roman Empire. Division into Eastern and Western Empires
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