ABSTRACT
Augustus consolidated the Roman Empire and ruled during its most brilliant period of growth. Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in 63 B.C. His father died when he was only four years old, and he ultimately came under the protection of Rome's most powerful statesman, JuliusCaesar. He soon gained Caesar's paternal affection and assisted him in government and war. With no military rivals left, Octavian had finally recovered the authority of Julius Caesar. To emphasize his supreme status, he had the title Augustus (“venerable”) bestowed upon him by the Senate in 27, and it was by this name that he was henceforth known. The reign of Augustus laid the basis for nearly two centuries of Roman imperial rule. By restoring the semblance of Rome's traditional republican constitution, Augustus was able to restore political stability after years of civil war. His exercise of absolute authority while doing so enabled him to make reforms that helped Rome enter a new stage of development.
