Julius Caesar Essay

“I found a city of brick and left it a city of marble”. These were the last words of the Roman Emperor Augustus before his death in 14 AD. More than a thousand years ago, the Roman Empire was a dominant civilization that left its mark in history for its military, political, and social institutions. The thriving empire emerged in 27 BC, while the fall occurred in 476 AD. During its height, Roman general Julius Caesar found another successor who would be even more extraordinary. In the wake of Julius Caesar's murder, his adopted son Augustus succeeded his father. Eventually, Augustus created a golden age of the Roman Empire through his values, which revolutionized the government. He did this by creating innovative political systems and strategic

Under the Second Triumvirate, “[the] regular daily functions of the government would continue as usual, [and] their sole purpose was to restore stability to the Republic” (Wasson). Essentially, this quote emphasizes how the Roman Senate gave the three men uncontrollable power since they could create any law they wanted without question from the Senate. Disorderly power comes with consequences, “Augustus portrayed this relationship [between Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt] as a threat to Rome and used it to turn public opinion against Antony” (Nice). This quote explains how having unruly power can become dangerous. Augustus took advantage of this opportunity for himself, and gained control of the whole Roman Empire, after the war against Antony for control over Rome in 32 BC. Augustus then became the first Emperor of Rome. The Senate then granted him the name, Augustus. The name Augustus means exalted, while he also received supreme military authority. As a result of the Second Triumvirate, Augustus was able to avenge the assassination of Julius Caesar, while also gaining so much power that he received the role of being the first-ever Emperor of

Augustus assured, “[That] the empire protected and governed individual provinces, permitting each to make and administer its own laws while accepting Roman taxation and military control” (Kuiper). By maintaining his control over the territory, Augustus ensured equal control over each providence which appeared very successful. Augustus’ goal was to, “guarantee law, order, and security within the empire, even if this meant separating it from the rest of the world and defending, or even expanding, its borders through military intervention and conquest” (Wasson). This quote shows Augustus’ intent on wanting peace in Rome. He sacrificed some of his land for the safety of his people, which was a bold act. Essentially, Augustus was able to use the advantage of this harmonious period to further expand his already growing