AUGUSTUS CAESAR
First Roman emperor, son of Gaius Octavius and Atia, niece of Julius Caesar. He was a member of the Triumvirate along with Antony and Lepidus, and when the latter died he shared the empire with Antony.
As the two were too ambitious to share power, they clashed, and Augustus Caesar won at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. From then on he reigned alone.
Four years later he was confirmed as “emperor” and “Augustus” in the year 27 BC. He began to have a relationship with Palestine after the defeat of Antony, who had been supported by Herod.
Contrary to all expectations, he treated Herod kindly, confirmed him as king, and added Samaria and Gadara to his dominion. Herod gave unbounded loyalty to Augustus, and erected in his honor a white marble temple at Caesarea Philippi. He died in 14 AD. The Lord Jesus was born during his reign (Luke 2:1).