Augustus datrs

Timeline: The Age of Augustus

Before Augustus’ Rise (48–31 BC)
  • 48 BCBattle of Pharsalus: Caesar defeats Pompey, who flees to Egypt and is killed.

  • 44 BCJulius Caesar Assassinated: Conspirators flee, and Mark Antony delivers a eulogy.

  • 43 BCSecond Triumvirate Formed (Octavian, Antony, Lepidus); Proscriptions begin.

  • 42 BCBattle of Philippi: Brutus and Cassius commit suicide; Antony emerges as a key leader.

  • 41-40 BC Battle of Perusia: Octavian lays siege and brutally punishes the allies of Lucius and Fulvia

  • 40 BCTreaty of Brundisium: Rome divided between Octavian (West), Antony (East), and Lepidus (Africa).

  • 36 BCBattle of Naulochus: Octavian defeats Sextus Pompey; Lepidus ousted from the Triumvirate.

  • 32 BC – Antony’s will exposed, showing allegiance to Cleopatra and their children.

  • 31 BCBattle of Actium: Octavian and Agrippa defeat Antony & Cleopatra.

Augustus’ Rule (31 BC–14 AD)
  • 30 BCBattle of Alexandria:

    • Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide.

    • Egypt becomes part of the Roman Empire.

  • 29 BCOctavian’s Triple Triumph; Temple of Janus doors closed to symbolize peace.

  • 27 BCFirst Settlement of the Principate:

    • Octavian renames himself Augustus.

    • Retains military power as "Imperator" and control over key provinces.

    • Given civic honors (golden shield, civic crown).

  • 26-19 BCSpanish Campaign:

    • Augustus goes to Spain (26 BC) to deal with rebellious tribes.

    • Declares victory (24 BC), though fighting continues until Agrippa secures peace in 19 BC.

  • 25 BCJulia’s First Marriage:

    • Julia, Augustus' daughter, marries Marcellus (Augustus' nephew).

    • Marcellus dies in 23 BC, leaving her a widow.

  • 23 BCCrisis of 23 BC:

    • Conspiracy uncovered; Consul Murena executed.

    • Augustus falls seriously ill and hands his signet ring to Agrippa.

    • Second Settlement: Augustus resigns the consulship but retains military and tribune powers.

  • 21 BCJulia’s Second Marriage:

    • Julia marries Marcus Agrippa, Augustus' right-hand man.

    • They have five children, including Gaius, Lucius, and Agrippa Postumus.

  • 20 BCParthian Diplomacy:

    • Augustus negotiates the return of Roman military standards without war.

  • 18 BCSenate Reforms:

    • Reduces Senate size, raises wealth qualifications, and increases responsibilities.

  • 17 BCSecular Games and Religious Renewal:

    • Augustus commissions Horace to write a poem.

    • 82 temples repaired, 12 new temples built (Apollo, Mars, Julius Caesar).

  • 12 BCDeath of Agrippa:

    • Augustus forces Julia to marry Tiberius (his stepson) in 11 BC.

    • This is an unhappy marriage; Tiberius is forced to divorce Vipsania, whom he loved.

  • 2 ADDeath of Lucius Caesar (grandson and heir).

  • 4 ADDeath of Gaius Caesar (grandson and heir).

    • With both Lucius and Gaius dead, Augustus is forced to adopt Tiberius.

    • Also adopts Agrippa Postumus.

    • Forces Tiberius to adopt Germanicus (his great-nephew).

  • 6 ADJulia Exiled:

    • Julia had a scandalous affair, and Augustus banishes her to Pandateria.

  • 6 ADAgrippa Postumus Banished (reasons unclear).

  • 9 ADDisaster in Germany:

    • Varus loses three legions to a tribal rebellion and commits suicide.

    • Augustus is devastated.

  • 13 ADTiberius Named Chief Heir in Augustus’ will.

  • 14 ADDeath of Augustus:

    • Tiberius peacefully takes power.

    • Augustus declared a god.

    • Livia takes the title "Augusta" and lives until 29 AD, when she is also deified.

  • 14 ADDeath of Julia:

    • She dies in exile, likely of starvation.


Reforms and Policies
  • Military Reforms:

    • Creates permanent standing army and fleets.

    • Establishes a military treasury to support veterans (funded by inheritance taxes).

    • Maintains loyalty by ensuring soldiers are paid and not used by rivals.

  • Social Reforms (18 BC):

    • Corruption laws, sumptuary laws, and adultery criminalized.

    • Encourages marriage and childbirth (penalizes unmarried, childless individuals).

  • Infrastructure & Governance:

    • Establishes city prefect to maintain order and supervise a police force.

    • Expands roads and relay stations for couriers.

Fixes governor salaries to reduce corruption.