Hello, and welcome to the history of Rome, Episode 52, Caesar Augustus.

Anthony and Cleopatra were dead, though no one knew it at the time, when Octavian emerged

victorious from the brief war with his old triumph for colleague in 30 BC, he was also ending

nearly 20 years of continuous civil war.

During the time Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, the Empire had been subjected

to almost two decades of constant civil strife.

Had the sickly Octavian died young, no doubt the victory at Actium and the conquest of Alexandria

would have been just two more milestones on the long road to stability.

But much to everyone's surprise, not the least of which is own, Octavian wound up living

well into his 70s.

This meant that his victories were not just a few more markers along the way.

They turned out to be the destination.

So what was that destination?

Was the Republic really dead?

Would things ever go back to the way they had been before?

Did anyone want things to go back to the way they had been before?

Who was in control now, the Senate, Octavian?

And what about the 60 legions still in arms?

These were open questions with no obvious answers.

We of course know now how things turned out and know the ABCs of how Octavian solidified

his personal rule and what that meant for the long-term makeup and outlook of the Roman

Empire.

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