# The First Roman Emperor (DD-213)

> Augustus, born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC, was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC and years of civil war, he defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra and became Rome's first emperor in 27 BC, ruling until his death in AD 14. His reign began the Pax Romana, about two centuries of relative peace. He used art, coins and building programs to shape his public image. The biographer Suetonius wrote that he lived modestly and usually wore clothes made at home by his wife, sister, daughter and granddaughters. The footage shows statues and reconstructions of Augustus and Rome, with the presenter.

- Department: People (also History)
- First published: 2024-03-28
- Last updated: 2024-03-28
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-213-F01**: Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Octavius))_
- **DD-213-F02**: He was Julius Caesar's adopted son. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Caesar's heir))_

## Write-up

Augustus reportedly wore clothes spun by his own family. His rule began two centuries of relative peace, the Pax Romana.

1. **Octavius**: Augustus was born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC.
2. **Caesar's heir**: He was Julius Caesar's adopted son.
3. **27 BC**: He became emperor in 27 BC.
4. **Pax Romana**: His reign began the Pax Romana.
5. **Modest dress**: Suetonius says he wore homemade clothes.

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## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: The First Roman Emperor: Augustus Reportedly Wore Clothes Spun by His Own Family

- Duration: 38.4 s · Published: 2024-03-28
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C5FHRysptG0.mp4

### Transcript

Augustus was Rome's first emperor, and he turned a republican turmoil into a monumental empire. Born Gaius Octavius, he climbed from his role as Julius Caesar's adoptive son to the pinnacle of Roman power, initiating the Pax Romana, a golden age of peace and prosperity. To the benefit of his politics, Augustus was a propaganda genius, using art and architecture to cement his image. Under his guidance, Rome expanded, culture flourished, and the economy boomed. Interestingly, despite his immense power, Augustus was known for his modest lifestyle, often wearing clothes spun by his wife and daughter. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What was Augustus's birth name?**  
A: Born 63 BC. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Octavius) · Wikipedia: Augustus)_

**Q: How was he related to Julius Caesar?**  
A: And great-nephew. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Caesar's heir) · Wikipedia: Augustus)_

**Q: When did he become emperor?**  
A: Ruled until AD 14. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (27 BC) · Wikipedia: Augustus)_

**Q: What is the Pax Romana?**  
A: Began under him. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Pax Romana) · Wikipedia: Pax Romana)_

**Q: Who made his clothes, per Suetonius?**  
A: Homemade. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Modest dress) · Wikipedia: Augustus)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Augustus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus)
- [Wikipedia: Pax Romana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pax_Romana)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The First Roman Emperor." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-213, last updated Mar 28, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/