Timeline Of The Establishment Of The Early Principate

The transition from the Roman Republic to the Early Roman Empire (or the Early Principate) indicates a fascinating shift in policy and a marked point of development in Roman history. Below I`ve highlighted some key events leading up to Octavian (adopted son of Julius Caesar) becoming Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.

44 BCE: Assassination of Julius Caesar

March 15, 44 BCE: Julius Caesar is assassinated by a group of Roman senators, including Brutus and Cassius.

43 BCE: Formation of the Second Triumvirate

October 43 BCE: Octavian, Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus form the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar`s murder.

42 BCE: Battle of Philippi

October 23, 42 BCE: The forces of the Second Triumvirate defeat the forces of the leading assassins, Brutus and Cassius, in the Battle of Philippi.

40 BCE: Dissolution of the Second Triumvirate

The Second Triumvirate officially dissolves, but Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus continue to hold power individually.

31 BCE: Battle of Actium

September 2, 31 BCE: Octavian defeats Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium, establishing his dominance in the Roman world.

30 BCE: Suicide of Mark Antony and Cleopatra

Mark Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide in the face of defeat.

29 BCE: Octavian Returns to Rome

Octavian returns to Rome and consolidates his power.

27 BCE: Octavian`s Resignation

January 13, 27 BCE: Octavian officially resigns his extraordinary powers but retains significant influence.

27 BCE: Senate Grants the Title "Augustus"

January 16, 27 BCE: The Roman Senate grants Octavian the title "Augustus," marking the beginning of his long reign.

23 BCE: Death of Agrippa

Marcus Agrippa, a close ally of Augustus, dies.

19 BCE: Death of Gaius and Lucius Caesar

Gaius and Lucius Caesar, the adopted sons and potential heirs of Augustus, both die.

2 BCE: Augustus` "Res Gestae"

Augustus completes his "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Deeds of the Divine Augustus), an autobiographical account of his achievements.

14 CE: Death of Augustus

Augustus dies on August 19, 14 CE.

14 CE: Tiberius Becomes Emperor

September 18, 14 CE: Tiberius, stepson of Augustus, becomes the second Roman Emperor after the death of Augustus.

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