I, Caesar | Augustus - First of the Emperors (Episode 2)

Episode 2: Caesar's military brilliance forged a new Rome, but it was Augustus's political genius that made it an empire for the ages. Declared emperor by the Senate, he oversaw a period of growth and prosperity marked by extraordinary artistic achievement and rapid expansion of the empire. He was heir to the greatest empire on earth but did not know it. Under his brilliant leadership, Rome was restored to unity and order after years of civil war. Augustus was Julius Caesar's grand nephew and adopted son, and unbeknownst to him, Caesar had decreed that on his death, Augustus should succeed him as Consul of Rome. In the years that followed, Augustus proved himself worthy of the choice, eventually winning total control of the Empire after defeating a challenge from Marc Antony.

This episode explores the life of the first true Roman Emperor. Discover how he was given the title by the Senate, despite always presenting himself in public at least as first citizen, not as ruler. World-renowned scholars detail his many accomplishments, including a sweeping reconstruction campaign he boasted that he "found Rome brick and left it marble." Period accounts detail his struggle to assume power, and ancient art and artifacts speak of his vast influence and legacy. From his drive to restore the morality of the empire to forging the Pax Romana, this is the saga of the first true Roman Emperor Augustus.