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Alexander the Great vs. Augustus, Emperor of the Romans: Their Paths to Glory
The history of mankind is often filled with greats, or individuals that often shape both their
country, as well as the known world in their respective time period. Ancient history is often full of these
greats; however, often it is hard to separate the myths surrounding these people from the actual facts.
Two individuals that come to mind in western history are Augustus Caesar of the Romans and Alexander
III of Macedon, also known as Alexander the Great. Augustus Caesar, born C. Octavius, was the founder
of the Roman Empire, as well as, the great nephew and adopted son of the great figure known as Julius
Caesar. Octavian lived from approximately 63 BC until 14 AD. Alexander the Great, also known in his
time period as Alexander III of Macedon, was the son of the Macedon king Phillip II. Alexander the Great
was the founder of the Macedonian Empire, which stretched from Macedon to the Indus River in India,
and lived from 356 to 323 BC. Though both men lived parallel lives in some aspect, critically one did
more for their respective civilization, and in fact world history, than the other. Alexander the Great is
often credited as one of the greatest men in history, even receiving visits posthumously by Roman
emperors such as Augustus, however, his role is overblown in the larger scheme of history, as his empire
quickly dissolved after his sudden death. Augustus, however, set the precedent of the Roman Empire, as
well as, established an imperial hold over the former Republic, and thus impacted his civilization, as well
as, world history far greater than Alexander ever did. Thus, when Alexander the Great analyzed before
Augustus Caesar and both are compared and portrayed through the analyses of both primary and
secondary sources published on the two figures, it will become clear that August Caesar impacted world
history far more than Alexander the Great ever did.
The man that impacted the country of his origin, as well as, the history of the Western world far
more than the other respective party is August Caesar. Augustus Caesar was born C. Octavius, on the “in
the city of Rome in 63 BC” (146 to 30 bc pg 267). Octavian was the grandson of Julius Caesar’s sister, and
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was favored by Caesar from an early age, as Caesar had no legitimate offspring by his Roman wife. When
Octavian was barely out of boyhood, he was sent to complete his “education at Apollonia, near the spot
where the army destined for the Parthian campaign was assembled”(146 to 30 bc pg 267). While there,
Octavian’s destiny first took hold, as he “relieved his studies by dining frequently with the officers and
watching the men at their drill” (146 to 30 bc pg 268). This led to Octavius becoming “well known to
officers and men alike, and … won him many friends” ( 146 to 30 bc pg 268).
After the Ides of March, 44BC, Octavian immediately set off for Rome to “claim his inheritance,
which was Caesar’s name and his share Caesar’s private property” (146 to 30 BC pg 268). At this time,
Octavian changed his name to C. Julius Caesar Octavianus, a name that “was one to conjure with among
the veterans”(146-30 BC 268). Octavian later traveled to Campania to form an army with no legal right.
However “the veterans responded to his appeal, and the force raised was further strengthened by two
Macedonian legions”( 146 to 30 bc pg 269). While Octavian raised his force, Marc Antony “besieged
Decimus Brutus in Mutina (and)the new consuls Hirtius and Pansa took office in Rome by virtue of
(Julius) Caesar’s designation” ( 146-30 BC 269). The new consuls were opponents of Antony, but were
weak, so “Octavian made overture to the senate and offered the help of his army, (and) the offer was
accepted” (146-30 BC 269). This allowed Octavian to “join his forces with those raised by the consuls for
the purpose of relieving Mutina “(146 to 30 bc pg 270). Eventually, however, the alliance broke and
Octavian marched upon Rome, where he was then “elected consul … and had a law passed for the
punishment of Caesar’s murders” (146-30 BC 272). Events occurred and as a result, it was “determined
that the three (Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian) should assume absolute control of the state under the
title of Triumvier for the Regulation of the Republic (a) joint dictatorship of Antony, Lepidus, and
Octavian” (146 to 30 bc pg 275). The Second Triumvirate, though, ended with one man coming out on
top. After, many years of civil war, and battles across the empire, Octavian’s forces defeated Marc
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Antony at the Battle of Actium, and thus the empire was born. Although, Augustus never claimed to be
emperor, in Res Gestae Divi Augusti, he talks of his many positions that he holds, such as the “title of
Father of (the) Country” (Res Gestae Dovo Aigisto VI 34-35). Thus, through events that were not
predictable, Augustus Caesar became Emperor of the Romans.
Augustus Caesar’s actions heavily influenced the five key features of a civilization, which are
technology, economics, politics, religion, and arts and architecture. Under Augustus, technology in the
Roman Empire thrived, such as construction technology. For instance, during one year of his reign,
Augustus “had a canal dug (in the woods of the Caesars) one thousand eight hundred feet long by one
thousand two hundred feet broad” (Cicero and his friends 373), large enough for ships to fight against
each other in a mock battle. Though the building project was for the enjoyment of the people of Rome,
it was still an impressive amount of construction done in a small amount of time. The era of Augustus
allowed for technology such as Roman concrete, as well as, large scale building techniques were either
developed or perfected, which would pave the way for further infrastructure construction throughout
the empire in latter centuries. Augustus Caesar also “restored the channels of the aqueducts … and
doubled the capacity of the aqueduct Marcia by turning a new spring into its channel” (Res Gestae Divi
Augusti IV. 19-20). Though technology such as aqueducts were present in the times before Augustus,
under his reign he helped to perfect construction techniques and engrained their importance in Roman
culture and everyday life. Augustus’s actions also heavily influenced the economy of the Roman Empire.
For instance, in Res Gestae Divi Augusti, Caesar talks of how of the 500,000 men who bound themselves
to the empire by military oath, he settled “in colonies or sent back into their own towns, after their term
of service, something more than 300,000 and to all I assigned lands, or gave money as a reward for
military service”(Res Gestate Divi Augusti I 3-4). By spreading Romans around the empire in colonies,
Caesar brought culture and intern economics to regions that previously were barbaric. This also
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extended the use of Roman coinage throughout the regions of the empire, which increased trading.
Caesar also provided grain to the people of Rome, which kept the people provided with grain and “freed
the entire people … from the fear and danger in which they were (in)” (Res Gestae Divi Augusti I. 4-6).
This also prevented the economy from suffering hyper inflation, which would come as a result of grain
scarcity, and could have ended the Roman Empire before it began. Augustus controlled the treasury of
the empire, as he stated “four times I aided the public treasury with my own money, paying out … one
hundred and fifty million sesterces”( Res Gestae Divi Augusti II. 8-9). Overall, Caesar influenced the
economics and the technology of Rome during his reign.
Augustus Caesar heavily impacted the politics of Rome, as he set the precedent of the Roman
Empire, as well as, established the imperial hold over the former Republic. Augustus Caesar was very
careful in consolidating his power, as he stated in Res Gestae, “The dictatorship offered me by the
people and the Roman Senate, in my absence, and later when present … I did not accept” (Res Gestae
Divi Augusti I. 4-6). He did though control the “Republic,” through administering things that the senate
wished him to administer by, as he stated “virtue of my tribunician power” (Res Gestae Divi Augusti I. 6-
7). However, he did also hold other positions such as Pontifex Maximus, as well as, he “held the
tribunican power as long as he lived”(Res Gestae Divi Augusti III. 16-18). Augustus in his own words, also
“restored many traditions of our ancestors … and … set precedents in many things for posterity to
imitate (such as laws about adultery and bribery)” (Res Gestae Divi Augusti II 9-10). Augustus also
“made provincial administration more orderly and improved its functioning.” (A.H.O.W.S pg 158).
Augustus Caesar heavily influenced the religion of the budding empire by holding religious
offices such as “Pontifex maximus (high priest) (and being) a member of the fifteen commissioners for
performing sacred rites.”( Res Gestae Divi Augusti I. 6-7). Caesar also set the precedent of the Roman
Emperors being prayed for, as “the entire body of citizens … performed continued sacrifices for my
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health at all the counches of the gods” (Res Gestae Divi Augusti II. 9-10). Augustus also encouraged the
imperial cult of “Roma et Augustus (Rome and Augustus) as the guardian of the state. (And) The cult
spread rapidly and became a symbol of Roman unity” (A.H.O.W.S pg 158). Thus, Caesar influenced the
Roman religion, which would continue to thrive until the general acceptance of Christianity centuries
later. Caesar also influenced the arts and architecture during his reign, such as encouraging poets and
writers during his reign, such that the “period of his rule is known as the golden age of Latin literature.”
(A.H.O.W.S pg 158). Caesar also influenced architecture of the period, as he built or restored a large
number of temples and public buildings, such as “the temple of Apollo on the Palatine with its porticoes,
the temple of the defied Julius … the state box at the Circus Maximus … the capitolium, and the theatre
of Pompey”( Res Gestae Divi Augusti IV. 19-20). Overall, Augustus Caesar influenced the many features
of civilization.
Augustus Caesar accomplished a tremendous amount during his lifetime. The economy of Rome
was stabilized and thrived under Caesar, as did the arts, architecture, and technology. Caesar added
certain aspects to the Roman religion, some of which are shown in traces in modern Christianity and
modern culture. However, Caesar’s biggest achievement was uniting Republic after many chaotic years
of civil war. Augustus was a fantastic politician and military commander, and showed this from any early
age, when he was thrust into the spotlight after his “father” was assassinated on the Ides of March.
Caesar also set the precedents for the emperor of the Romans, even if he never called himself such. It
was Augustus Caesar who shaped what the Roman Empire image, in all of its power and glory, would be
viewed as after his reign. Without Augustus Caesar doing what he did in his respected period of history,
for his state, the history of Europe would be far different, and with the history of Europe being far
different, world history would be unrecognizable today.
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Alexander the Great in the era after his death became a legend. In fact, there is a story of how
Augustus Caesar, when he was in Alexandria visited Alexander’s tomb, and broke off the late king’s
nose(http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/alexandersearch.htm), although there is no credible
sources of the era which can either support or deny this legend. When one looks past the legends,
though, there is still a man who created an empire that “stretched across three continents, which
covered around two million square miles” (BBC). Alexander the Great, also known in his own time as
Alexander III of Macedon, was born in Pella, the capital of Ancient Macedon to Phillip II. From “age 13 to
16, he was taught by Aristotle, who inspired him with an interest in philosophy, medicine, and scientific
investigation” (E.B). Alexander’s military feats stated when he was eighteen, and “took charge of the
Companion Cavalry…and aided Phillip in defeating the Athenian and Theban armies at Chaeronea”
(history.com). Alexander became king of Macedon “in 336 … on Phillip’s assassination” (E.B). Soon after,
“Alexander garnered the support of the Macedonian Army and eliminated his enemies to become king
and leader of the Corinthian League” (History.com). When he assembled the Greek league at Corinth,
Alexander was “appointed generalissimo for the forthcoming invasion of Asia” (E.B). In the spring of 334
BC, Alexander “crossed the Dardanelles … commanding about 30,000 foot and over 5,000 cavalry” ( EB),
to attack the Persian Emperor Darius’s Grand Army. Soon after, “Alexander found Darius drawn up
along the Pinarus River… the battle that followed … Alexander won a decisive victory ... and Darius fled”
(E.B). By November of 332 BC, Alexander reached Egypt, where “the people welcomed him as their
deliverer, and the Persian satrap Mazaces wisely surrendered … and was crowned with the traditional
double crown of the pharaohs” (EB). In 331 BC, Alexander “prepared to advance into Mesopotamia”
(EB), and soon after “occupied Babylon, city and province”(EB). Eventually, Alexander defeated Darius,
and captured Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Empire, where he “ceremonially burned down the
palace of Xerxes, as a symbol that the Pan-Hellenic war of revenge was at an end” (EB). At this point,
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the Greek allies were sent home, and Alexander waged a personal war further east. In the summer of
327 BC, he “left ... with a reinforced army… and crossed the Hindu Kush” (EB). Alexander did make it to
Western India, and fought his “last great battle on the left bank of the Hydaspes” (EB). Alexander soon
after faced a revolt from his troops, and was forced to march back to the West, where in Babylon “while
busy with plans to improve the irrigation of the Euphrates and settle the coast of the Persian Gulf,
Alexander was taken ill … 10 days later, on June 13, 323 BC, he died in his 33rd year” (EB). Because of
those events that occurred during the thirteen years of his reign, Alexander III of Macedon would
forever be remembered as Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great’s actions influenced the five key features of a civilization, which are:
technology, economics, politics, religion, and arts and architecture. Under Alexander, technology in the
Macedonian empire thrived. For instance, Alexander’s campaign made a large number of innovations in
military weaponry. Such as: “improved catapults and siege machinery, as well as, a new kind of
infantry,” (metmuesum). Alexander also used the technological innovation that was the Greek language
to heavily influence the civilizations that he conquered. Prior “to the expansion of his empire there were
hundreds of little spoken languages, when he imposed the use of Greek, it created a common language
that fostered the expansion of culture, commerce, and hegemony” ( military history.org), a technique
that would later be embraced by empires that would follow. Alexander’s actions also heavily influenced
the economy of the Macedonian Empire, and the kingdoms that succeed them. For instance, Alexander
established “a new coinage with silver standard based on that of Athens in place of the old bimetallic
system current both in Macedonia and in Persia”(EB). This helped “trade everywhere, and, combined
with the release of vast amounts of bullion from the Persian treasuries, gave a much-needed fillip to the
economy of the whole Mediterranean area” (EB). Allowing the area to flourish with wealth, this
impacted the economies of the regions. Alexander also heavily influenced the politics within his state
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and the Mediterranean in general. For instance, in Greece, Alexander helped to further dissolve what
were once the independent Greek city states. He accomplished this when the “Thebans refused to
surrender (to him), he made an entry and razed their city to the ground, sparing only temples and
Pindar’s house; 6,000 were killed and all survivors sold into slavery” (Eb). Since the other city states
were “cowed by this severity” (EB), Alexander was able to easily control them, such that the
boundaries of Ancient Greece were changed forever. Alexander also influenced politics in his civilization
by exemplifying the idea of being “ruthless toward those who opposed him --- even from his own ranks -
-- but fair and honest towards those who exhibited courage and skills” (History.com). This set the
precedent that later leaders would adopt, and helped to change the imagery of a King, politically, in the
Western world.
Alexander the Great also influenced the religion throughout his empire, and the Mediterranean.
Alexander would often go into areas and encourage the local religion. A perfect example was when
Alexander occupied the city of Babylon. As “in Egypt, the local priesthood was encouraged” (EB).
Alexander thus influenced the religion in his state by supporting the local religions of the conquered
land. Thus, the Greek religion was influenced, as different aspects of these foreign gods rubbed off on
the Greek religious practices. This led to different cults being worshiped throughout the Mediterranean,
a practice further embraced by the Roman Empire. One place where Alexander heavily influenced
religion was the addition of a heavy Egyptian presence in the Greek religion. He accomplished this when
a priest “gave him the traditional salutation of a pharaoh, as son of Amon” (EB), which further
heightened the Greek interest in the mysterious religion of the Nile, and spread the cults of Egypt
throughout Alexander’s empire. Arts and architecture were also influenced by Alexander. Since
Alexander received his education from the great philosopher Aristotle, he was very interested in the
arts, so much so that his army was “accompanied by surveyors, engineers, architects, scientists, court
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officials and historians” (EB), which further spread the culture of Greece throughout his conquered
lands. Alexander brought Greek theatre to his conquered lands, and it flourished so much so that
“amphitheaters built during the Hellenistic period show markedly Greek features, no matter the
nationality of the architect nor the country of construction”(ancient.ed.com). Alexander finally spread
Greek art to his conquered lands, going so far as to influence the coinage of these regions, such as how
“portraits became more realistic, and the obverse coin was often used to display ... the image of a
favored god” (ancient eu). Overall, Alexander the Great’s actions heavily influenced all of the five key
features of a civilization.
Alexander the Great accomplished a tremendous amount during his lifetime. The economy of
Mediterranean gained a large amount of wealth, as well as, he allowed for Greek art and architecture
to be both influence and be influenced by his conquered lands. Alexander also influenced technology
due to his military campaign. Alexander finally added many aspects from his conquered regions to the
Greek religion and its cults, many of which would be further strengthened under the Roman religion,
which was a successor of the Greek religion. However, Alexander’s biggest achievement was destroying
the Persian Empires long running hold on the eastern Mediterranean, and spreading Greek culture all
the way to Western India. Though his Empire would crumble after his death, due to the fact that he
never named an heir, the Greek influence in these regions would stand the test of time. For instance,
hundreds of years later, a Greek dynasty would still be in control of Egypt in the time of Julius Caesar
and Augustus. As well as, the many cities that Alexander founded would stand the test of time, and
some would bear his name into the second millennium. Though, Alexander’s intellect and ability as a
king and military commander was glorified by the generations that followed him, so much so, that
Alexander the Great has become more myth than man, he still is one of the most influential leaders in
the history of mankind.
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Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar have long since been laid to rest, yet they still are
relevant in today’s collective consciousness. Though both men lived parallel lives in some aspect, each
man influenced their own states in different ways. Both men came upon the path to glory, due to a
murder of a family member. Both men led massive armies to conquer an Empire. Critically though, one
did more for their respective civilization, and in fact world history, than the other. Alexander the Great
will be remembered as a major figure in history, and rightfully so as he forged an empire from Macedon
to Western India. However, his empire split and slowly crumbled after his death, as well as, the majority
of his advancements were lost to history. Augustus Caesar, however, forged an empire in the midst of
civil war. This empire went on to rule the Western world solely until 476AD, and was still relevant until
1453AD, when the last Eastern Emperor, was butchered at the hands of the Turks, only a few short years
before Columbus made his voyage to discover America. Augustus was the man who set the precedent
for the office of emperor of the Romans, as well as created monuments that are identified with Rome’s
power and glory in the current era. Augustus fought his way up to become emperor of Rome, which was
a truly impressive stunt, when you analyze the stack of cards that he was presented with, after that
fateful day in March of 44BC. Thus is why Augustus Caesar is still thought of when you think of Roman
Emperors, and even in the 20th century, monarchs still went by titles of Kaiser and Tsar, meaning Caesar.
When Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar are both are thoroughly analyzed by both their
accomplishments during their lifetime, and their legacy, it becomes clear that though Alexander the
Great was almost mythical, the man who made the most impact on world history was C. Octavius, also
known as Augustus Caesar the Roman Tribune for life.
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Foner, Eric, and John A. Garraty. "Alexander the Great." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 1991.
Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
Mark, Joshua J. "The Hellenistic World: The World of Alexander the Great." Ancient History
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Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Walbank, Frank W. "Alexander the Great (king of Macedonia)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Warmington, E. H., ed. Velleius Paterculus and Res Gestae Divi Augusti. 4th ed. London, United Kingdom:
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