Monday, August 19, 2019

Caesar Augustus : Gaius Octavius Thurinus


"Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit"

Augustus died on 19 August 14 A.D. 

That line above is supposedly his last words, which I prefer. Publicly he said:"Behold, I found Rome of clay, and leave her to you of marble." A bit more pompous. He was seventy five at his death and may have died from poisoned figs (although his health was declining). 

While a good leader in many ways, the loss of the Roman Republic was sealed when he became Emperor. Giving absolute power to lesser men later on, such as Caligula and Nero, turned out to be a disaster for Rome. Rome did survive for almost four centuries after his death. Eventually it did fall. 

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1 comment:

  1. BigFireAugust 19, 2019 at 2:00 PM

    Became a Consul at age 19, with the aid of his adopted father's legions. Technically he isn't even qualified to run for Senate. Nominally to be qualified for Senate, you're supposed to have 10 years of service in military tribune, then you run for Quaestor at age 30. At 35, you can run for Praetor. At 40, Consul. Here's HBO's version of that event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgk4VseXJQo

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