Augustus

Roman leader. Born in 63 BC under the name of Octavian, and adopted by Julius Caesar as his heir, he was a skilled and ruthless politician and military leader. He had a long struggle to gain the leadership of Rome, finally defeating Mark Antony (his leading opponent) and Cleopatra at Actium in 31 BC. In 27 BC Augustus introduced a new constitutional settlement, which he claimed 'restored the republic' but in reality introduced a monarchical type of government. He took the title of princeps (first citizen), leaving it to his successors to call themselves imperator (emperor) - a term derived from imperium, the supreme power to execute the law and command in war, which had belonged to the kings of Rome and then to consuls. Octavian received the title 'Augustus' from the senate and ruled until his death in AD 14. He enlarged the empire and improved and modernized living conditions and control of the city through such measures as the introduction of safeguards against flood, fire and famine. He also enhanced both Rome's and his own prestige with a major building program that included a new forum, temples, and the creation of the splendid suburb of the Campus Martius.