Caesar

Relations between Antony and Octavian entered a dangerous stage in 33 BC (Augustus). The Roman world was taken over and split between Antony and Octavian. Eventually, the Senate was persuaded by Octavian to declare war on Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Octavian traveled to Egypt from Syria with little opposition. Antony took a chance and began to battle. In 31 BC, they battled at sea at Actium in Greece, which Octavian won. On August 1st, 30 BC, Alexandria fell to Octavian while Antony and Cleopatra realized that they could not flee. They both committed suicide and the wars ended (Southern 99). Octavian knew what had happened to his granduncle Julius Caesar. He was very careful when he became consul. He called himself "princeps", which meant "first citizen", instead of a king or emperor (Miller, ed. 153). In honor of Octavian for everything he accomplished, the senate gave him the name "Augustus" between January 13 and 16, 27 BC. He was known from there on as Augustus Caesar (Augustus).
             In 23 BC, Augustus became tribune for life, which meant that he had supreme power over all other governors. He was then able to control politics and the military. Sometime between the end of 23 BC and the start of 22 BC, Augustus left Italy to straighten out Rome's eastern boarders. A few years later, around 19 BC, the powers of consul for life were bestowed upon him (Augustus).
             Augustus was a smart man that achieved many things during his reign. The list of senators was revised many times and raised the qualifications needed to ensure that only the best were chosen. He had the power to choose the leaders for Rome's many armies. Men who were suspicious of not being loyal were ruled out. A similar method applied to the various elections held in Rome. Without Augustus" approval and recommendation, winning a spot in office was very difficult. Men would be placed on a list that had more offices than men, ensuring them a victory.