The first Roman emperor, reigning at Christ's birth (Lu 2:1, etc.). His decree that all the world should be taxed, each going to his own city, was the divinely ordered (Mic 5:2) occasion of Jesus' birth taking place at Bethlehem. Born 63 B.C. Also called Octavius and Octavianus from his father, who died while he was young. Educated by his great uncle Julius Caesar, triumvir with Antony and Lepidus. Dissension having arisen, Octavianus overcame Antony, and gained supreme power at the battle of Actium, 31 B.C.

Saluted emperor (imperator, military commander in chief originally), and surnamed Augustus Caesar, "majestic." Leaving the names and rights of the chief republican officers unchanged, he united them all, one by one, in himself. Herod, who had been on Antony's side, he not only pardoned, but even increased in power; Herod thereby became attached to his dynasty, and built him a temple of marble near the sources of the Jordan. Augustus Caesar died at Nola in Campania, in his 76th year, A.D. 14. Some time before his death he associated Tiberius with himself in the empire (Lu 3:1).

Augus'tus Cae'sar

The first Roman emperor, son of Cains Octavius and Atia, niece of Julius Caesar. He was one of the Triumvirate with Antony and Lepidus, and upon the death of the latter he shared the empire with Antony: but both being too ambitious to share the kingdom, the battle of Actium, B.C. 31, resulted in Caesar's favour, and he reigned alone: four years later he was confirmed as 'emperor,' and 'Augustus' in B.C. 27. He became associated with Palestine at the defeat of Antony, whom Herod had supported. He behaved, contrary to expectation, kindly to Herod, confirmed him as king, and added Samaria and Gadara to his dominions. Herod gave unreserved allegiance to Augustus, and built a marble temple to his honour at Caesarea Philippi. The emperor died A.D. 14. The Lord Jesus was born during his reign. Lu 2:1.