Augustus was born into a world of chaos and upheaval. The Republic was crumbling and his great uncle Julius Caesar was gaining both power and enemies. After Caesar’s assassination, Augustus, still just a teenager, launched an ambitious power grab which changed the entire Mediterranean world.
Join historians Adrian Goldsworthy, Tristan Hughes, Dr Simon Elliott and Dr Hannah Cornwell as they explore how Augustus became Rome’s first Emperor. They cover Julius Caesar’s civil war and assassination, Augustus’ ruthless takeover and his battle with Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
The Roman Empire lasted for nearly 1,500 years, all as a result of Augustus’ thirst for power and political brilliance. This was one of the most turbulent, dramatic and consequential periods of history.
Up Next in Ancient
-
Heritage After Conflict: Libya
How can heritage survive brutal conflict? Since 2011 Libya has seen upheaval and civil war - only now is there some stability. As well as terrible loss of life, large swathes of buildings were damaged and destroyed in the fighting. When Dan Snow visited Benghazi to make our film about Cyrene, we...
-
Iron Age Women: Rulers of the Land
Did women have more power in Iron Age Britain than elsewhere? New discoveries from Britain's largest known Iron Age cemetery suggest yes!
At the site of Duropolis in Dorset, excavations led by the University of Bournemouth are revealing the prominence of women in Britain's pre-Roman societies. ...
-
Rise of Caesar
Julius Caesar lived a dramatic life filled with battles, conspiracies and unparalleled ambition. He sits amongst the greatest military leaders of all time but what made him cross the Rubicon and march on his own city, Rome? This documentary reveals the truth behind the legend.
Historians Adrian...
