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THE ROMAN TIMES THE GREATEST NEWS THE ROMANS CAN GET Wednesday, August 19th, 14 A.D Rome, Italy ROMAN EMPEROR DEAD AUGUSTUS THE FIRST EMPEROR HAS PASSED By Amandus Wermanus One of Roman’s greatest leaders has passed away. Augustus died today at Nola, in Campania at the age of 77. One of Augustus’ closest friends said, “He was a strong and powerful leader for forty two years and he will be missed very much.” Augustus’ real name was Gaius Julius Octavius born on September 23, 63 B.C.E. His father Gaius Octavius died when he was four and his mother was the daughter of Julia, who was the sister of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar adopted Octavius since he didn’t have a son. Later in his life, the senate changed Octavius’ name to Augustus. After Julius Caesar died, Augustus wanted to claim the throne. He formed a strategic alliance with Marc Antony, a successful and ambitious general. They defeated their enemies in Rome which was one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history. After they defeated their enemies, they split the empire and Augustus kept Rome and Antony took Egypt. While Antony was in Egypt, he fell in love with Cleopatra, Egypt’s Queen. “Cleopatra wanted all of Rome and Antony turned against Augustus. He knew that Cleopatra and Antony wanted Rome, so he attacked Egypt,” said Augustus’ wife. Augustus won the “Battle of Actium” in 31 BC which destroyed three-quarters of the Egyptian fleet and this led to the death of Cleopatra and Marc Antony. When Augustus came back to Rome he was a hero. He was loved by everyone and at the age of 32, he became the first emperor of Rome. This was the beginning of “The Augustan Age” and also the beginning of a long era called the Pax Romana or “Great Roman Peace.” One senator said, “He promised his people that he would build a firm and lasting foundation for the government of Rome and he did.” Augustus made many reforms to Roman government and life. He reorganized the army during his reign, raised soldiers’ pay and established regular government pensions of land and money for retired soldiers. In the provinces, Augustus removed all of the corrupt governors and put in capable administrators who ruled fairly. He also created a civil service system. This system qualified the poor to work and help run the government. Augustus’ policies augmented trade. Roads were safe to travel, trade networks were expanded on both land and sea, and living standards increased for middle and uppers classes. Augustus was known as one of the most talented, energetic and skillful rulers of all time. After governing Rome for 42 years, his health started to decline. According to his wife, while lying on his death bed, he said “since well I’ve done my part, clap now your hands and with applause dismiss me from this stage.” Augustus then kissed his wife goodbye and died peacefully. Millions of people are mourning right now, including me. They are cremating his body and saying their last goodbyes to the greatest Roman Emperor who ever ruled. Resources: http://pbs.org/empires/romans/empire augustus.html The Roman Empire, Don Nardo Ancient Greece and Rome Volume 1