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The First Roman Emperor

Short answer: Augustus, born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC, was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC and years of civil war, he defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra and became Rome's first emperor in 27 BC, ruling until his death in AD 14.

His reign began the Pax Romana, about two centuries of relative peace. He used art, coins and building programs to shape his public image. The biographer Suetonius wrote that he lived modestly and usually wore clothes made at home by his wife, sister, daughter and granddaughters. The footage shows statues and reconstructions of Augustus and Rome, with the presenter.

VideoWrite-up2 sources

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What should you know about The First Roman Emperor?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC.

    DD-213-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Octavius)

  2. He was Julius Caesar's adopted son.

    DD-213-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Caesar's heir)

Video transcript: The First Roman Emperor: Augustus Reportedly Wore Clothes Spun by His Own Family

Augustus was Rome's first emperor, and he turned a republican turmoil into a monumental empire. Born Gaius Octavius, he climbed from his role as Julius Caesar's adoptive son to the pinnacle of Roman power, initiating the Pax Romana, a golden age of peace and prosperity. To the benefit of his politics, Augustus was a propaganda genius, using art and architecture to cement his image. Under his guidance, Rome expanded, culture flourished, and the economy boomed. Interestingly, despite his immense power, Augustus was known for his modest lifestyle, often wearing clothes spun by his wife and daughter. NOW YOU KNOW!

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The write-up

Augustus reportedly wore clothes spun by his own family. His rule began two centuries of relative peace, the Pax Romana.

  1. Exhibit A

    Octavius

    Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC.

  2. Exhibit B

    Caesar's heir

    He was Julius Caesar's adopted son.

  3. Exhibit C

    27 BC

    He became emperor in 27 BC.

  4. Exhibit D

    Pax Romana

    His reign began the Pax Romana.

  5. Exhibit E

    Modest dress

    Suetonius says he wore homemade clothes.

Questions people ask about The First Roman Emperor

What was Augustus's birth name?

Born 63 BC.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Octavius) · Wikipedia: Augustus

How was he related to Julius Caesar?

And great-nephew.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Caesar's heir) · Wikipedia: Augustus

When did he become emperor?

Ruled until AD 14.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (27 BC) · Wikipedia: Augustus

What is the Pax Romana?

Began under him.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Pax Romana) · Wikipedia: Pax Romana

Who made his clothes, per Suetonius?

Homemade.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Modest dress) · Wikipedia: Augustus

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What was Augustus's birth name?

    1. Gaius Octavius
    2. Marcus Antonius
    3. Gaius Julius Caesar
    4. Nero Claudius
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Gaius Octavius Born 63 BC. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Octavius) · Wikipedia: Augustus

  2. How was he related to Julius Caesar?

    1. Adopted son
    2. Brother
    3. Enemy
    4. No relation
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Adopted son And great-nephew. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Caesar's heir) · Wikipedia: Augustus

  3. When did he become emperor?

    1. 27 BC
    2. 44 BC
    3. AD 14
    4. AD 64
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 27 BC Ruled until AD 14. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (27 BC) · Wikipedia: Augustus

  4. What is the Pax Romana?

    1. Two centuries of relative peace
    2. A temple
    3. A war
    4. A law code
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Two centuries of relative peace Began under him. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Pax Romana) · Wikipedia: Pax Romana

  5. Who made his clothes, per Suetonius?

    1. Women of his family
    2. Slaves in Egypt
    3. Soldiers
    4. Merchants
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Women of his family Homemade. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Modest dress) · Wikipedia: Augustus

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The First Roman Emperor." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-213, last updated Mar 28, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-213-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/#DD-213-F01

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