On This Day

27 BC The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by the Roman Senate

Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.

Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta) in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. The principate, a style of government where the emperor showed nominal deference to the Senate, was established during his reign and lasted until the Crisis of the Third Century.

Octavian was born into an equestrian branch of the plebeian gens Octavia. After his great-uncle, the dictator Julius Caesar, was assassinated in 44 BC, Octavian, whom Caesar named as his primary heir in his will, inherited Caesar's estate and assumed his name.

Historical Significance

Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.

Key People

Augustus Caesar

Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14

Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14

Events After

  1. 28 Roman General Gaius Carrinas' triumphant procession through Rome, awarded for fighting in Gaul

    28 Roman General Gaius Carrinas' triumphant procession through Rome, awarded for fighting in Gaul

  2. 30 Scholars estimate for the crucifixion of Jesus by Roman troops in Jerusalem [or April 3]

    The siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE was the decisive event of the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire (66–73 CE).

  3. 30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian, but most of his army subsequently desert

    30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian, but most of his army subsequently deserts, leading to Octavian's invasion of Egypt

  4. 31 The first Easter is celebrated by Christians, according to calendar-maker Dionysius Exiguus

    31 The first Easter is celebrated by Christians, according to calendar-maker Dionysius Exiguus

  5. 31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeat those u

    31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeat those under Mark Antony and Cleopatra off the western coast of Greece.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 16, 27?
Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta) in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. The principate, a style of government where the emperor showed nominal deference to the Senate, was established during his reign and lasted until the Crisis of the Third Century.
Why is 27 BC The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by t... significant?
Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.
Who was involved in 27 BC The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by t...?
Key figures include Augustus Caesar (Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14).

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