who was octavian

Octavian, later known as Augustus, was the first Emperor of Rome and the heir of Julius Caesar. Born Gaius Octavius in 63 BC, he was named Julius Caesar's adopted son and principal heir after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. Octavian formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus to defeat Caesar’s assassins, and eventually became the sole ruler of Rome after defeating Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. In 27 BC, the Roman Senate granted him the title Augustus, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. His reign brought about the Pax Romana, a long era of peace and stability throughout the Roman world. Augustus instituted significant reforms in government, military, taxation, infrastructure, and culture, laying the foundation for the empire's long-term success. He ruled until his death in AD 14 and was deified by the Senate after his death.