The Use Of Power For Peace

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus:

The Use of Power for Peace

Felicia Mercado

College of New Rochelle

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus:

The Use of Power for Peace

Throughout the history of the Roman Empire there have been leaders who assumed great power. This power was used by some for their own benefit and by others for the benefit of Rome. One such leader who is distinguished as the latter is Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. The following is a look into the life, the accomplishments, and the use of power by the Roman Emperor Octavianus, one of Rome's most infamous leaders.

Life and Background

On September 23, 63 BC Octavianus, also known as Octavian, was born in Rome (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 2004). The great nephew of Julius Caesar, Octavian would become heir to the Roman Empire as set by the terms of Casear's will. This new position was not an altogether unfamiliar one. Octavian was the son of Senator Gaius Octavius and he, himself, held an appointment in the College of Pontiffs. However, even as a politician, Octavian would not prove a true force to be reckoned with until he assumed his role as Caesar's heir.

Octavian's family life was typical of the times. Having only one biological child by his first wife, a daughter by the name of Julia (Chew, 1995), he was forced to adopt the four children of his subsequent wives. Of these adoptive children, Tiberius, the son of his third wife would become his future successor. Octavian died August 19, AD 14 at the age of 77 (Wikipedia, 2007) in his fair city of Rome.

Accomplishments

Octvavian was a supreme leader. He was responsible for his nation achieving great feats. Some of his many accomplishments include the creation of the Second Triumvirate, the victory of the Battle of Actium, the first and second settlements and a reform of Rome's revenue. The Second Triumvirate was a comradery developed by Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus (Wikipedia, 2007). Unlike the First Triumvirate, which was not officially endorsed by Rome's government, the Second Triumvirate's five year reign was sanctioned. Under this title, the three used their power to build funds for their respective armies. Most popularly through the seizure of the goods and property of government officials deemed criminals, Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus found ways to strengthen their military forces in order to prepare for the upcoming wars against Octavian's enemies. A little more than ten years later, trouble fell upon the Second Triumvirate. As a result of a dispute with Antony and his beloved Cleopatra, Octavian was forced to declare war against his former partner (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 2004). Octavian defeated the forces of both individuals and gained control of Alexandria in 30 BC, therefore substantiating his role as an absolute leader.

The first and second settlements were both agreements reached by Octavian and the Senate of Rome providing him with increasing amounts of power. During the first settlement, Octavian was given control of Rome's Western Half and the region of Syria (Wikipedia, 2007). This meant control of over 70% of Rome's total regional territories. The first settlement would also mark Octavian's change in title to Augustus. Similarly, the second settlement added to Octavian's ever-growing power. As a result of this settlement, Octavian was given tribunal power granting such rights as the ability to convene with Senate, veto laws, and supervise public moral code at his discretion. In addition, Octavian would now be the sole authority or imperium over all of Rome's military forces.

Finally, one of Octavian's most noted accomplishments was that of the reforms made to Rome's revenue system (Wikipedia, 2007). Two of