Augustus had known, through Julius Caesar’s previous reign, that stability was an important factor in maintaining and consolidating an empire. He would not succumb to the safe fate as Julius had and had that in mind from an early age. Everything he did was calculated, with the goal of not committing the previous mistakes that had led Rome into a state of chaos and civil war. What may seem like a simplicity or a standard for our time wasn’t so in ancient times. It shows the remarkable innovator that Caesar Augustus was.
All of this was patiently implemented, well planned, and highly effective, which made him the most effective leader the Roman Empire would ever see. Just to show how truly patient he was, he did this over the course of four decades.
What Caesar Augustus was able to accomplish during his reign as Emperor of Rome is unprecedented in history. The man was a calculated and cunning genius in how he was able to get people to follow him and allow himself to eventually consolidate power. Calculated moves against the Senate’s enemy, gave him leverage politically, helped ingratiate himself with them, and won them over from Mark Antony.
Learning from Julius Caesar: Augustus’ Exceptional Leadership
Everything he did was done to avoid the previous mistakes of the Romans. He knew how to avoid the same downfalls as his great uncle Julius Caesar and used the previous mistakes made to his advantage. Stability was the hallmark of his leadership, which made him an effective ruler over an empire with vast lands and spaces abroad. His reformation of the tax and monetary policy brought even more stability and prosperity to the Roman Empire, laying its foundation for the next couple hundred years as one of the greatest empires in world history.
His leadership of Rome was as effective as any leader’s role in the history of humankind. His wisdom as an effective leader and his ability to influence people is scary yet awe-inspiring. Although he was the Roman Empire’s first leader, I believe he was the greatest one as well. He may be the greatest single leader that the world has ever seen. There is a reason he had a god status among the Romans.
References:
- Smith, J. (2010). Julius Caesar and the Rise of Augustus. Roman History Press.
- Johnson, M. (2015). Leadership Strategies of Caesar Augustus. Empire Publishing.
- Williams, A. (2008). The Legacy of Julius Caesar in Augustus’ Rule. Ancient World Publications.