Augustus Caesar

Concise Bible Dictionary:

The first Roman emperor, son of Caius Octavius and Atia, niece of Julius Cesar. 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 favor, 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 honor at Caesarea Philippi. The emperor died A.D. 14. The Lord Jesus was born during his reign (Luke 2:1¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1)).