23 September 63 B.C. marks the birth of Gaius Octavius (better known as Octavian). Octavian's father was one of the elite senators of Rome and his mother was Julius Caesar's sister. At the age of four he lost his father, leaving him in the hands of his mother and uncle. Julius Caesar, who had no legitimate son of his own, liked Octavian, and helped prepare him for a political career. [Boardman, 121]

Under the foot steps of his great uncle, Julius Caesar, Octavian showed his prominence at an early age. Octavian served under Julius Caesar in the Spanish expedition. In 44 B.C. Octavian, 18 years old, was assigned as the senior military commander in the Parthian expedition. [Scarre, 17] While in Illyricum, the shocking news reached Octavian that Caesar's had been assassinated. In Julius Caesar's will, he had adopted Octavian as hi

Augustus was an extraordinarily able administrator and played a major role in building up a capable civil service. He revised the tax structure and financial system of the Roman state; he reorganized the Roman Army; and he established a permanent navy. He also organized a personal bodyguard, the Praetorian Guard, which in future centuries was to play a great role in selecting and deposing emperors.

Under Augustus, an extensive network of excellent roads was constructed throughout the Roman Empire many public building were erected in Rome itself; and the city was greatly beautified. Temples were constructed, and Augustus encouraged observance of and loyalty to the old Roman religion. Laws were passed encouraging marriage and the raising of children. From 30 B.C. on, Rome had internal peace under Augustus. The natural result was a greatly increased prosperity. This, in turn, led to a great flourishing of the arts, and the Augustan Age was the Golden Age of Roman literature. [Boardman, 135]

Augustus ruled Rome for over 40 years and his policies influenced the empire for many years to come. Under him, the Roman army completed the conquest of Spain, Switzerland, Asia Minor, and a large portion the Balkans. The Roman Empire’s financial system at the time was far more superior to anything else in the entire empire. This great financial system was based on the central treasury. [Boardman, 132]

Octavian now was ruler of Rome. Since he was Julius Caesar's adopted son, the senate changed his name from Octavian to Augustus Caesar. [Zoch, 228] From this point on, Pax Romana had begun. Pax Rom

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