Augustus
...from destruction and demise. The leaders and heroes of the Roman Empire are countless, but one leader stands out from all the rest. Augustus Caesar's contributions to Roman history helped make Rome the dominant empire we know of today. Augustus Caesar was without a question the greatest political leader in the history of the Roman Empire.
As a young adolescent, Octavian demonstrated his leadership ability long before having thoughts of becoming the first emperor of Rome. His strengths, features, and accomplishments as a military leader show only a part of his great political skills he possessed. After the murder of Octavian's great uncle, Julius Caesar, in 44 BC; Octavian along with Mark Antony, and Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate. The three men lead their armies into Rome. The Roman Assembly granted the Second Triumvirate full power for five years. With full backing of the Roman Assembly, Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus raged a dreaded campaign against all those who opposed them.
Octavian and his two companions put a temporary end to the civil war of the Roman Empire in 42 BC. The Triumvirates, at Philippi in Macedonia, defeated the republicans led by Brutus and Cassius. They divided the empire between themselves. Antony remained in the wealthy East, Lepidus got control of Gaul and Spain, and Octavian received Italy. In time, Caesar forced Lepidus into retirement and won control of all western provinces.
By 32 BC, Italy and the western provinces swore an oath of allegiance to Caesar. Octavian could then concentrate his efforts on moving against Marc Antony, for total control of the Roman Empire. The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was arguably one of the most important naval battles in the history of the Roman Empire. The following year in Egypt, Octavian and his army again defeat Antony. Consequently, Antony and Cleopatra (Anotny's...
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