Augustus Inventions In Launching The Roman Empire

These innovations to roadways helped to launch the Roman Empire further along than many countries and territories during their time. These roads not only increased the amount of military personnel that could travel on them, trade sky-rocketed because of these new road innovations created and built by the Roman military. By bringing the military together and in unison with the economy, Augustus was able to have success in being Rome’s first emperor. Throughout Augustus’ rule of the Roman Empire he made many reforms to the old Roman laws, way of life, and religion. Due to long and harsh civil wars fought, there was a lack of morals in Rome. Temples turned into ruins and many citizens lost all faith in the gods. Augustus was appointed to pontifex

Augustus was already one of the most powerful person to walk on earth, but he was not satisfied. Therefore, he made this cult and other superstitions, like Halley’s Comet, to have himself compared to or like a god. Statues were also important to Augustus. In 2 BC, Augustus choses the Temple of Mars Ultor in Rome to bring remembrance of the victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. This shows he wanted to be remembered like or even more than a god at times because of the success and prosperity he brought to Rome. When people of Rome saw Augustus, they loved him and cherished him as a god, and therefore Augustus had a lot of power of Rome. This was important because Augustus could change many laws, morals and values, military tactics, and the support of people to his advantage. Thus, becoming very powerful in a short amount of time. “Augustus restored public monuments, especially the temples of the gods, as part of his quest for religious revival.” (Steven Fife). Augustus found renewed interest in religion, and decided that the practice of religion was very important to the Roman Empire way of life. In only a couple of decades or less, religion became very important to the Roman Empire and Roman

Reviving the religion in Rome was more than to help renew faith and dignity, Augustus revived religion in hope that it would help restore moral standards in the citizens of Rome. Augustus pushed for social reforms in order to improve moral standards. He encouraged many husbands and wives to start families, while also looking down upon adulterers. Families that had three or more children were rewarded politically, financially, or both. Augustus taxed or penalized unmarried men older than 38. “…the Lex Julia de maritandis ordinibus prohibited celibacy and childless marriages, as well as made marriage compulsory.” (Steven Fife.) This law said that one could not abstain from marriage and sexual relations or not have kids during marriage, as well as marriages could not be forced. This was not an important matter in the Roman way of life, until Augustus felt strong about this issue. This showed Augustus was more of a people person and family oriented emperor than many other leaders before him. He also stayed away from luxurious living and foreign fashions because he wanted to be more of a friend to the citizens of Rome rather than a celebrity during his rise to power in Rome. Augustus used this tactic in order to gain trust and build a relationship with fellow Roman citizens, so he could become more likeable and eventually become the emperor of Rome. Throughout this time period Augustus began to call