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Stephen Schreier Hist-406 Essay March 18, 2014 P a g e | 1

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


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


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


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


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.


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,


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


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


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.


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.


Works Cited

"Alexander the Great (356 - 323 BC)." BBC History. BBC News, 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

"Alexander the Great – the Greatest Leader of All Time?" Military History Monthly. N.p., 10 Oct. 2010.

Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

Boissier, Gaston. CICERO AND HIS FRIENDS: A Study of Roman Society in the Time of Caesar. New York,

N.Y.: Cooper Square, 1970. Print.

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

Encyclopedia. N.p., 18 Jan. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

Marsh, Frank Burr, and Howard Hayes Scullard. A History of the Roman World from 146 to 30 B. C.

London: Methuen, 1963. Print.

McKay, John P., Bennet D. Hill, John Buckler, Patricia B. Ebrey, Roger B. Beck, Clare H. Crowston, and

Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks. A History of World Societies: To 1600. 4th ed. Vol. 1. Boston:

Bedford/St.Martin's, 2012. Print.

Sami, Nermin. "In Search of Alexander the Great." In Search of Alexander the Great. Tour Egypt, n.d.

Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

Walbank, Frank W. "Alexander the Great (king of Macedonia)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online.

Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.


Warmington, E. H., ed. Velleius Paterculus and Res Gestae Divi Augusti. 4th ed. London, United Kingdom:

William Heinemann, 1967. Print.

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