Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Historical figure: Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, commonly known as Octavian, was the founder of the Roman Principate and the first Roman Emperor. He was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. His reign initiated the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Following the assassination of Julius Caesar, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus.
  • The victory of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC marked the end of the Roman Republic.

Advanced Usage

• "Augustus": The title conferred upon him by the Roman Senate in 27 BC, meaning "the revered one." He is more widely known to history by this name.
  • Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus was granted the title Augustus, becoming Caesar Augustus.

Variants and Related Words

• Octavian (Proper noun): The name used for him during his rise to power, before becoming Augustus.
  • Octavian was a master of political propaganda.
• Augustus (Proper noun): His imperial title and the name by which he is most frequently referenced as emperor.
  • The reign of Augustus was a golden age for Roman literature.

Synonyms

• Augustus: The revered, imperial name.
• Octavian: His earlier name as Caesar's heir.
• First Roman Emperor: Describes his primary historical role.

Related Phrases

• Heir to Caesar: Refers to his status as the adopted son and political successor of Julius Caesar.
  • As the heir to Caesar, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus had a strong claim to leadership.
• Founder of the Roman Empire: Describes his monumental historical achievement.
  • Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus is rightly considered the founder of the Roman Empire.

Related Idioms

• Crossing the Rubicon: While directly associated with Julius Caesar, this idiom about passing a point of no return is central to the civil wars that Octavian eventually concluded.
• Pax Romana: Meaning "Roman Peace," this term describes the long period of stability inaugurated by his rule.
  • The policies of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus established the conditions for the Pax Romana.

Noun

1. Roman statesman who established the Roman Empire and became emperor in 27 BC; defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC at Actium (63 BC - AD 14)