Final answer:
Emperor Augustus, originally named Octavian, was the first Roman Emperor, who reigned from 27 BCE to 14 CE. His rule established the Roman Empire, marked by significant administrative, military, and urban development, leading to the Pax Romana. Augustus was a pivotal political leader, not a philosopher or poet, and meticulously engineered a smooth transition of power to his successor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emperor Augustus and the Roman Empire
The period of Emperor Augustus' rule from 27 BCE to 14 CE was significant as it marked the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Augustus, who was originally named Octavian, rose to power after the assassination of his great-uncle Julius Caesar. Through adept political and military strategies, he eliminated his rivals and set up a hereditary emperorship while publicly maintaining the facade of the Roman Republic.
Augustus was not a famous philosopher or poet, but his influence and reforms were foundational to the structure and longevity of the Empire. He was a prominent political figure and is indeed recognized as the first Roman Emperor. His achievements include the overhaul of the taxation system, the establishment of a standing army and the Praetorian Guard, as well as significant urban development in Rome. He sought to present himself as the Princeps Civitatis, meaning 'first citizen,' rather than a monarch, to sustain the illusion of a functioning republic under his virtually absolute authority.
After his death, Tiberius, his stepson, succeeded him, thus solidifying the tradition of an imperial succession. The era of peace and prosperity that began with Augustus's reign, known as the Pax Romana, lasted for approximately 200 years, showcasing the might and stability of the Roman Empire.