Caesar Augustus’ story, one of the most riveting in western history, is filled with drama and contradiction, risky gambles and unexpected success. He began as a teenage warlord, whose only claim to power was as the heir of the murdered Julius Caesar. Mark Antony dubbed him a boy who owes everything to a name, but in the years to come the youth outmaneuvered all the older and more experienced politicians and was the last man standing in 30 BC.Over the next half century he reinvented himself as a servant of the state who gave Rome peace and stability, and created a new system of government—the Principate or rule of an emperor.In this highly anticipated biography Goldsworthy puts his deep knowledge of ancient sources to full use, recounting the events of Augustus’ long life in greater detail than ever before. Goldsworthy pins down the man behind the myths: a consummate manipulator, propagandist, and showman, both generous and ruthless. Under Augustus’ rule the empire prospered, yet his success was never assured and the events of his life unfolded with exciting unpredictability. Goldsworthy captures the passion and savagery, the public image and private struggles of the real man whose epic life continues to influence western history.Contents:Acknowledgements viiList of Maps ixIntroduction iPART ONE: Caius Octavius (Thurinus) 63–44 bc1 ‘Father of His Country’ 192 ‘A Man of Wealth and Good Reputation’ 323 The Consulship of Julius and Caesar 474 A Way Out 63PART TWO: Caius Julius Caesar (Octavianus) 44–38 bc5Heir 836 Praise 987 Reward and Discard 1158 Vengeance and Discord 128PART THREE – Imperator Caesar, Divi Filius 38–27 bc9 Sons of Gods 15110 Rivals 17011 Triumph 195PART FOUR: Imperator Caesar Augustus, Divi Filius 27–2 bc12 Renewal and Restoration 21713 To Overcome the Proud in War 23914 The ‘Title of Greatest Power’ 25815 The Eagles 28416 An End and a Beginning 30717 Family and Colleagues 33418 Augustan Peace 355PART FIVE: Imperator Caesar Augustus, Divi Filius,Pater Patriae 2 bc–ad 1419 Father 37720 The ‘Sentry Post’ 40221 For the Sake of the Res Publica 42622 Pax Augusta 446Conclusion: Hurry Slowly 469Appendix One: The Senatorial Career or Cursus Honorum 482Appendix Two: Date of the Birth of Jesus 487Glossary 493Key Personalities 503Family Trees 512Bibliography 522Abbreviations 538Notes 540Index 587