AUGUSTUS (Caius Julius Cæsar Octavianus), the nephew of Julius Cæsar, was born at Rome 63 years before Jesus Christ. When he understood that his uncle had adopted him for his heir, he went to Italy and attached himself to his party. He quarrelled with M. Antonius; but afterward entering into a treaty with him and Lepidus, these three formed the second triumvirate, agreed to a proscription of their respective enemies, and divided the empire among them. Lepidus being abandoned by his army, was sent into exile; and Antonius being reduced to destroy himself, Octavius assumed the title of Emperor, and the appellation of Augustus. He was cruel in his triumvirate, but seemed to have adopted new virtues with his imperial dignity; since he now appeared just, affable, moderate, and liberal: he maintained peace; advanced men of merit; and patronised arts and sciences, which under his reign were brought to the greatest perfection. He died at the age of 75. See ROME.