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I left Rome a city of marble, though I found it a city of bricks. (-Augustus)
Gaius Octavian was born on September 23, 63 B.C., to C. Octavius and Atia, a niece of Julius Caesar by his
sister Julia. The family of Octavian was a good one, but its alliance to the Julians was far more
important, and Octavian came under their direct influence when his father died in 59 B.C. Atia raised him and
ensured his education by grammarians and philosophers, but it was Caesar who would have the most impact
upon Octavian, and who presented him with the greatest opportunities.
In 53 B.C., at the age of 12, Octavian delivered the funeral oration (the laudatio) for his grandmother
Julia, and several years later served in a priesthood. Caesar came to dominate his life's direction. He saw
his uncle's triumph in Rome in 46 B.C. and in 45 journeyed to Spain to be with him on campaign.
Octavian was never strong physically, suffering from a variety of complaints that plagued him
throughout his life. The trip to Spain was arduous, along dangerous roads. He also suffered a shipwreck
and was in a sorry state when he arrived at Caesar's camp. But his uncle recognized something unique in
him, rewarding his efforts with military training.
After a time Octavian was sent to Apollonia, in Epirus, to study philosophy and the arts of war. He took
with him his two dearest friends, Marcus Agrippa and Marcus Rufus. His studies were cut short by the
assassination of Caesar in Rome.
Octavian was only 18 years old, but the will of his uncle declared him his chief heir and adopted son. His
position in Rome was now radically different and bound by the obligation to avenge Caesar's death.
Octavian traveled to Rome and found that cautious deliberation would be far more useful than rash
action, a characteristic that would mark his later years.
Marc ANTONY was in Rome, and Octavian found him unwilling to relinquish control of Julius Caesar's
property or assets. Octavian immediately began a defensive action against Antony. Cicero, Antony's
bitter foe, was befriended, and Octavian presented the Ludi Victoriae Caesarii, the Victory Games of
Caesar, to the people. The Senate, anxious to snub the ambitious Antony and his claims, made Octavian a
senator and asked his aid in the wars that had begun as a result of the assassination.
Octavian defeated Antony's legions at Mutina in April of 43 B.C. As a result, Octavian's troops
demanded that he be given the rank and the powers of a consul. Reluctantly the Senate agreed, and, as
Caesar's adopted heir, he took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus.
Realizing that he had to reach a truce with Antony to achieve wider aims, Octavian formed a SECOND
TRIUMVIRATE with him and Marcus Lepidus on November 27, 43 B.C. Octavian thus ruled Africa,
Sicily and Sardinia. He also benefited from the fact that Caesar had been elevated to the status of a god.
Antony was joined to him as well, in the common ambition of defeating Brutus, Cassius and the party of
the LIBERATORS, a task accomplished at the battle of Philippi in 42 B.C. Octavian was not present,
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