Fun Facts About August Month

August is named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. The month was originally called Sextilis in Latin, as it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar. In 8 BCE, the Roman Senate renamed the month in honor of Augustus. This change was made to commemorate Augustus's achievements and to align the month's significance with that of July, which was named after Julius Caesar. The word "august" itself means inspiring reverence or admiration, which further aligns with the emperor's esteemed status.

Augustus Caesar, born Gaius Octavius on September 23, 63 BCE, was the founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire, ruling from 27 BCE until his death in 14 CE. Here is a brief overview of his life and achievements:

1. Early Life and Rise to Power: Augustus was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Augustus formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus to defeat Caesar's assassins. This alliance was marked by proscriptions and power struggles.

2. Defeat of Rivals: The triumvirate eventually fell apart due to internal conflicts. Augustus defeated his main rival, Mark Antony, and his ally Cleopatra VII of Egypt, at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.

3. Establishment of the Principate: In 27 BCE, Augustus symbolically "restored" the Roman Republic, but in reality, he retained most of the power. The Senate awarded him the title "Augustus," meaning "the revered one." He maintained control over the army and held various key positions, effectively making him the sole ruler while preserving the facade of republican governance.

4. Reforms and Achievements: Augustus implemented numerous reforms that stabilized and strengthened the empire. He reorganized the military, created a standing army and a network of roads, and established the Praetorian Guard. His reign saw significant architectural and cultural developments, including the construction of monuments and buildings like the Ara Pacis and the Forum of Augustus.

5. Pax Romana: Augustus's reign inaugurated the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for over two centuries. This era was marked by economic prosperity, expansion of trade, and flourishing arts and literature.

6. Succession and Legacy: Augustus carefully managed his succession to ensure stability. He adopted his stepson, Tiberius, who succeeded him as emperor. Augustus's legacy includes the transformation of Rome from a republic to an imperial autocracy, establishing a model of governance that lasted for centuries.

Augustus died on August 19, 14 CE, and was succeeded by Tiberius. He was deified by the Senate, and his legacy as a transformative ruler endures in history.