Biography of Caesar Augustus and his relationship with Tarragona

Biography of Caesar Augustus

and his relationship with Tarragona, Spain

Tarragona tourist office
Day tours Tarragona Roman ruins
What to see Tarragona shore excursion

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Above sculpture Caesar Augustus in Tarragona

Born Gaius Octavius Thurinus on September 23, 63 BCE, in Rome, Caesar Augustus, originally known as Octavian, emerged as one of the most influential figures in Roman history. As the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, he navigated the turbulent aftermath of Caesar's assassination, showcasing remarkable political acumen and strategic prowess.
At the age of 18, Octavian formed the Second Triumvirate, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Rome. The decisive Battle of Actium in 31 BCE secured his dominance over rivals Mark Antony and Cleopatra, leading to the establishment of the Roman Principate.

As the first Emperor of Rome, Caesar Augustus skillfully consolidated power while maintaining the facade of a restored Republic. His rule, known as the Pax Romana, ushered in a period of relative peace and prosperity lasting for two centuries. Augustus implemented key political and social reforms, fostering stability and cultural flourishing. His legacy endures not only as a shrewd political strategist but also as a patron of the arts, contributing to the architectural and literary achievements of the Golden Age of Latin literature.
Despite the complexities of his reign, Caesar Augustus remains a central figure in shaping the Roman Empire's destiny. His leadership, marked by a delicate balance of authority and subtlety, solidified his place as the founder of an imperial system that would leave an indelible mark on the course of Western history.

August name after Augustus


The month of August is named after the Augustus Caesar. Originally, this month was called "Sextilis" in Latin, meaning the sixth month. However, when the Roman Senate honored Augustus Caesar with the title "Augustus" in 8 BCE, following his victories and achievements, they decided to rename Sextilis in his honor.

Augustus, whose birth month was September, felt that he should not have a month named after him that was inferior to Julius Caesar's month, July. Therefore, Augustus requested that Sextilis be given 31 days, just like July, and that the month of July should not be longer than his. This adjustment was made, and the month of Sextilis became known as August. So, the name "August" is a result of the homage paid to the Roman Emperor Augustus, reflecting the significance of his contributions and accomplishments during his rule.

Augustus and Tarragona


Tarraco, as it was called in Roman times, held a special status during the reign of Augustus. It was designated as one of the key administrative centers in the Iberian Peninsula and became the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior. Tarraco was the principal colony of Hispania Citerior, the “near” portion of the Iberian Peninsula. The settlement hosted a number of famous commanders such as Pompey and Julius Caesar, but didn't become a major city until the reign of Augustus

Augustus initiated various infrastructure projects in Tarraco, contributing to the city's development and prosperity. The remains of a Roman aqueduct, a quarry, walls, an amphitheatre, and a circus that can still be seen today are a testament to the Roman influence on the city during this period. These structures were part of the grandeur that characterized Tarraco as a prominent Roman urban center. The relationship between Caesar Augustus and Tarragona, therefore, was one of imperial governance and strategic importance.

Augustus recognized the strategic value of Tarraco as a hub for controlling the Iberian Peninsula and enhancing Roman influence in the region. His contributions to the city's infrastructure and development reflected the broader efforts to consolidate and strengthen the Roman presence in the western Mediterranean.

Augustus wintered at Tarraco after his Cantabrian campaign, and bestowed many marks of honour on the city, among which were its honorary titles of Colonia Victrix Togata and Colonia Julia Victrix Tarraconensis.

The Roman ruins of Tarraco are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Amphitheatre of Tarragona is on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea by Platja del Miracle beach. 

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Related pages:

Tarragona tourist office
Day tours to Tarragona Roman ruins
How to get to Tarragona

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