
Emperor Augustus
Emperor Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius, was the first Roman emperor and ruled from 27 BCE until his death in 14 CE. He transformed Rome from a republic with elected leaders into a stable empire under a single ruler. Augustus was known for ending years of civil war, founding the Pax Romana — a period of peace and prosperity — and implementing important reforms in government, law, and culture. His leadership laid the foundation for the Roman Empire’s strength and longevity. Augustus's reign marked the beginning of a era characterized by order, expansion, and enduring influence in Western history.