Augustus, First Roman Emperor

A key figure in Roman History, Augustus (63 BC–14 AD) was the adopted son of Julius Caesar and the first to lead the Roman Empire; so mighty was he that upon his death the month previously known as Sextilis was renamed in his honor. In this volume, author Matthew D. H. Clark presents a fascinating analysis of how Augustus was able to manipulate the mechanisms of political power and use the classical world’s conception of propaganda to his advantage. Through an examination of the emperor’s relationship with Maecenas, his political advisor, and Agrippa, his great commander, as well as a host of historical personages, including the poets Virgil and Ovid, Augustus helps us understand this remarkable figure’s rise to power, as well as his lasting legacy.