Portrait Bust of Emperor Augustus (63 BCE – 14 CE)

Although he ruled for over forty years, in his portraits Augustus never grew old. After Julius Caesar’s murder, he emerged in 27 BCE as Rome’s princeps, effectively its first emperor.

Hundreds of official images like this were distributed across the Roman empire. The physical intensity of Alexander’s portraits, and the weight of worry in Caesar’s is replaced by dignified, thoughtful calm echoing classical Greek sculpture. He is primus inter pares, equal but first among Roman citizens.

Augustus conquered Egypt and established links with India. Emissaries from India brought him tigers as diplomatic gifts.

The month August is named after him.