Caesar Augustus was the first Roman emperor. He changed his name to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Thurinus in 44 B.C., after the murder of his great uncle, Julius Caesar.
 After his uncle's murder, he worked with Julius Caesar's top generals and an alliance known as the Second Triumvirate. In 27 B.C., the Roman Senate named him emperor of Rome.
Augustus gave the Roman Empire about 40 years of peace and prosperity. He improved the system of currency, created a Postal Service, and expanded the roads. During his rule, the Romans built many bridges and buildings, decorated with beautiful works of art.
Augustus waged no major wars, but he expanded the Empire. He controlled Egypt, parts of Asia, and most of southwestern Europe.
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