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10 Facts About the Death of Roman Emperor Augustus

In the stormy years that followed the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar, Augustus, the first Roman emperor (though he never claimed the title for himself), oversaw Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. He skillfully combined military might, institution-building, and lawmaking to establish himself as Rome’s sole ruler, establishing the groundwork for the 200-year Pax Romana (Roman Peace) and an empire that lasted, in various forms, for about 1,500 years.

In the year 14 CE, Augustus passed away outside of Naples, Italy. His remains were brought back to the city. Because of profound respect for the emperor, businesses were closed on the day of his funeral. With his passing, the Senate declared Augustus to be a Roman god because he was a capable and visionary ruler. There’s more about his death that would be interesting to know, read on for the interesting facts.

1. He had various health issues

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Emperor Augustus suffered from a number of health problems in his later years which seriously affected his well-being. For a man like Augustus having health issues was not something that was going to slow him down, instead, he carried out his responsibilities as a king and demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the administration of the Roman Empire. Despite being a powerful leader in the past, his health issues left him vulnerable. This showed that even great leaders are not immune to the challenges faced by normal people. 

2. Augustus continued to actively engage in administrative duties in his last days 

In his final days he remained actively involved in managing the Roman Empire even though he experienced health difficulties, he was very dedicated to his duties as king. Augustus still made sure that he made significant choices that would influence the empire’s development. His unwavering commitment to leadership throughout his last days showcased his leadership skills and loyalty to the welfare of the Roman state.

3. He spent his final years in his villa at Nola

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Augustus chose to spend his last years in his villa located in Nola, Italy. You can only imagine that in his last days, he wanted an environment that was peaceful and offered solace, the villa has been described as a place that was rather serene and beautiful. Nola became a place where Augustus could reflect on his life’s achievements and enjoy the company of his loved ones.

4. In the year 14 AD, Augustus’s health deteriorated further

At 75 years old, Augustus’s health started having serious health issues despite this, he continued to fulfil his duties as the ruler of the Roman Empire. However, his close acquaintances and the people of Rome were concerned about his declining health.

5. He was 75 years old at the time of his death

Augustus, was 75 years old when he passed away which is a long time considering the era. We could say that he managed to live a long and exciting life during his more than 40-year reign, he worked hard to transform his empire within that period of time. 

6. There are different historical accounts offering varying explanations for his passing

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It’s never been very clear about how Augustus died and this has long baffled historians. Different descriptions have been found in ancient literature and yet the situation is complicated. There are stories that Augustus was plagued by an extended period of illness while others have claimed that he died due to natural causes due to old age.  Nevertheless, it is generally agreed upon that Augustus died on August 19 in the year 14 AD, despite the conflicting reports.

7. Augustus was succeeded by his stepson

Tiberius, who was Augustus’s stepson and adopted heir, received the Roman Empire after the first Roman Emperor passed away on August 19, 14 AD. A smooth transfer of power was guaranteed since Augustus had carefully planned his succession.

The second Roman Emperor was a capable and seasoned general named Tiberius. The Julio-Claudian dynasty persisted under his leadership, and the Roman Republic’s conversion to the Roman Empire was firmly established.

8. Augustus was accorded a state funeral

After Augustus passed on, he received a state funeral which showed how much he was admired for his accomplishments. People from all walks of life and from all regions of the empire both famous and common went to celebrate his life as a leader and as the man who made a substantial contribution to the development of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.  After being cremated, his remains were placed in the Rome mausoleum known as the Augustus Mausoleum, which was the family grave.

9. His ashes were buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome

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According to Roman tradition, Augustus’s body was burned after his death in 14 AD. In that very location in Rome, they buried his ashes in the Augustus Mausoleum which had actually been built by Augustus himself.  People would travel from all around to pay their respects because it became this huge representation of his legacy.

Apart from him, his family was also buried there which seems to be something that he wanted even before he died.   The Roman Empire was formed by him, and even though he was no longer with us, his legacy lived on in the minds of those who knew him.

10. Augustus had carefully planned his succession

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Augustus had a keen sense of strategy. His succession wasn’t left to chance, either! No, he chose his stepson Tiberius with care and made him the successor. A wise decision, no? By doing this, he guaranteed a legitimate and easy transfer of power. For his policies to continue even after his death, Augustus was all about surrounding himself with the proper people. The Roman Empire was well-positioned for future success under his dependable successor thanks to his well-thought-out strategic planning. So much for being shrewd, huh?

A secure and flourishing empire under complete Roman rule was what Augustus left behind. The Senate bestowed upon him the title of Divus Augustus, or the Divine Augustus, solidifying his position as a renowned figure in Roman history.

The Roman Empire’s long-lasting authority was created during the reign of Augustus, who also established a model of imperial rule that influenced succeeding emperors. His legacy as the first Roman emperor and the creator of the Julio-Claudian dynasty left an imprint on both Roman history and the history of the West.