• Augustus Gaius Octavius and the Lex Iulia et Papia Poppaea

    ”If we could survive without a wife, citizens of Rome, all of us would do without that nuisance; but since nature has so decreed that we cannot manage comfortably with them, nor live in any way without them, we must plan for our lasting preservation rather than for our temporary pleasure.” Augustus in a speech to the Senate in 17 B.C. Augusts Gaius Octavius, also known as Gaius Octavius and Augustus Gaius Julius Octavius, was emperor of the Roman Empire from January 16, 27 B.C. until his death on August 19, 14 A.D. The famous Julius Caesar had adopted Gaius Octavius and named him heir to the throne, but with…

  • Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian

    No one in their right mind would have predicted that Titus Flavius Vespasian would ever be anything more than an eccentric senator. They were an obscure family from the small village of Reate. His father had been a banker and his mother from a family of modest means. However, according to Sutonius’ Life of the Caesars, the auguries when she was brought to bed with Vespasian were favorable. Sabinus, the boy’s father, is said to have been greatly impressed by an inspection of a victim’s entrails. He is said to have congratulated his mother on having a grandson who would become Emperor. She roared with laughter and said: ‘Fancy, you…