We Three Kings of the Roman Empire Years after the murder of Julius Caesar, Rome began a new era of government power. The exact year of the empire’s start is debated, but many believe emperors began ruling in 31 B.C., following the victory at Actium (History.com Staff). The Julio-Claudian Dynasty ruled from 31 B.C. under Augustus to 68 A.D. under Nero (Grant). The first emperor of Rome was Augustus Caesar, the nephew of the Julius Caesar. “Emperor Augustus ruled from 31 B.C. to 14 A.D.” (Moulton viii) Augustus became a successful emperor, expanding Rome and its territories and winning the hearts of the Romans (“Republic to Empire”). Following the death of Augustus, the Julio-Claudian dynasty was carried on by Tiberius Claudius Nero. Emperor Tiberius was Augustus’ adopted son (“Julio-Claudian Dynasty”). Tiberius ruled from 14 A.D. to 37 A.D. However, he was not the preferred successor of the empire …show more content…
Augustus set a high precedent for his successors. Emperor Augustus created many civil advances. He established a road system and the Praetorian Guard (History.com Staff). The Praetorian Guard was a unit of elite Roman soldiers who protected Rome and served as policemen and firemen (Andrews). Augustus prioritized restoring fidelity and morality to Roman culture. Adultery was declared a crime. He abolished many secular games and festivals that would encourage adultery. Augustus even banished those who continued to go against his demands, including Ovid and his daughter, Julia (Rodgers 67). Many actions Augustus took to decrease decadence in the Roman Empire was to increase the birth rate (Cornell 76). Augustus Caesar was a strong military leader, as well. He was able to expand Rome’s territories as far as central Europe. He regrouped larger provinces that were split by bodies of water, like Germania (Hill 71). Augustus was declared a god by the Senate in 14 A.D. following his death