Augustus & The Pax Romana

Octavian (Augustus)

Julius Caesar is assassinated and his heir, Octavian (18 years old), is in the middle of a political mess
Many influential Romans created a power struggle and Octavian had to kill or be killed by his rivals
Octavian beats his rivals and has Caesar's assassins killed, and puts an end to the revolts
Octavian becomes very rich in the process and very powerful
By 31 B.C., he became Rome's sole ruler and after only four years, the Roman Senate names him Augustus (meaning "exalted one", or placed in high regard or respect)

Augustus (who was smarter than Caesar) was very skilled at ruling and took control of the army
He has the Senate's support and rules Rome with extreme power and control
He becomes the supreme ruler, or emperor
Augustus' powers are for life and he can pass this power to his successor
Some Romans were suspicious of such great power and feared that Rome would once again fall into chaos
Augustus moved slowly and carefully (following the laws of Rome) and earned the acceptance of Romans because he finally brought peace to Rome

During Augustus' rule, the Pax Romans (Roman Peace) began
The Pax Romana lasted for 200 years
Augustus provided free grain to the poor
Rome was transformed with marble monuments
Augustus' new laws restored order and the arts, literature, and education was encouraged

Augustus was very clever, he prevented future revolts and civil wars by cutting the army in half
He also gave lands to army veterans to appease (keep them calm and happy) them
Soldiers were kept busy by defending Rome's borders and expanding the empire
Augustus made sure that Roman soldiers were paid regularly and that their working conditions were improved
Augustus had Roman soldiers make an oath of loyalty to himself

Augustus made sure that he and Rome were protected
He had the elite Praetorian Guard (elite Roman soldiers)
The Praetorian Guard ensured that Augustus' rule maintain full authority
Augustus also created Rome's first permanent navy to protect the coasts and shipping trade
Augustus laid the foundation for long-term Roman stability and for future Roman emperors

Olive Vista STEAM Magnet Middle School Student