That
the empire survived the civil wars that destroyed the republic was largely due
to the long life (63 B.C.-14 A.D.) and political skill of Gaius Julius Caesar
Octavianus, later known as Augustus. He was the first emperor of Rome and
founder of a Roman state that endured for centuries. Gaius Octavian was born on
September 23, 63 B.C., to C. Octavius and atia, a niece of Julius Caesar, by his
sister Julia. The family of Octavian was a good one, but its alliance to the
Julians was far more important, and Octavian came under their direct influence
when his father died in 59 B.C. Atia raised him and ensured his education by
grammarians and philosophers, but it was Julius Caesar himself who had the most
impact upon Octavian, and who had personally prepared him with the greatest
opportunities.
The Roman world had thought Marc Antony, Caesar’s powerful Lieutenant, would be
next in line after Caesar but they were soon to find that Julius Caesar would
leave a will naming Octavian, a virtually unknown, as his adopted son and chief
heir to his throne.
(See
His Adoption)