Augustus Article

How did Augustus come to power?

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After the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Augustus joined forces with Caesar’s former chief lieutenant, Mark Antony, and his magister equitium (“master of the cavalry”), Marcus Lepidus, to form the Second Triumvirate of Rome. The Second Triumvirate did not last long. About 40 BCE Antony began a consequential love affair with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Shortly thereafter Lepidus fell from power, and Augustus waged war against Antony and Cleopatra. Augustus emerged victorious in 30 BCE.