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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