August

The first emperor and the god of light

Many think of Julius Caesar as Rome’s first emperor, but he was a dictator; “Caesar” became a title for the rulers after him. Rome’s first official emperor was his great-nephew, Augustus Caesar, a highly successful military and political leader.

Augustus believed his success came from the favour of Apollo, twin brother of Diana/Artemis and son of Jupiter/Zeus, the god of light, knowledge, music, poetry and the Sun. He built the Temple of Apollo beside his own home to honour that bond.