Augustus

Born Gaius Octavius, he was adopted by Julius Caesar and became the first Roman emperor after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. He transformed the Roman Republic into the Principate, inaugurating the Pax Romana and establishing the imperial system that would endure for centuries.

Augustus founded the Roman Empire as a political system and established the Julio-Claudian dynasty. His reign of over 40 years set the template for imperial rule, administration, and propaganda that would define Rome for centuries.

Key Events

44 BC Adopted posthumously by Julius Caesar

31 BC Victory at the Battle of Actium over Antony and Cleopatra

27 BC Granted the title Augustus by the Senate, marking the start of the Principate

19 BC Consolidation of Spain; final pacification of the Cantabrian Wars

2 BC Awarded the title Pater Patriae by the Senate

9 AD Loss of three legions under Varus in the Teutoburg Forest

Coinage

Augustan coinage established the standard imperial denominations and introduced systematic portrait coinage. His issues are among the most varied and politically significant of all Roman emperors, with types commemorating military victories, dynastic succession, and religious piety.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Quinarius Sestertius Dupondius As Semis Quadrans

Notable Types

Crocodile commemorating the conquest of Egypt
CAESAR DIVI F capricorn type
Shield of Virtues (clipeus virtutis)
Comet of Caesar (divus iulius)

Common Reverses

AVGVSTVS OB CIVIS SERVATOS SIGNIS RECEPTIS IMP X CAESAR DIVI F SPQR CL V

Active Mints

Rome Lyon (Lugdunum) Emerita Colonia Patricia Pergamum Ephesus Antioch

Key Events

Coinage

Related Resources

Further Reading