Augustus consolidates power by establishing a political system that appears to maintain the Republic's structure, but in reality, he controls everything behind the scenes, effectively functioning as a king.

Augustus's political savvy and manipulation of image and propaganda were key to his influence, even if he wasn't necessarily a great human being.

Augustus becomes the paradigm of a good ruler, embodying the idea of an absolute ruler who does good things, such as building public works, which influences rulers for centuries.

Augustus, as the first emperor of Rome, established a political system that would influence countless later empires and shape global history. He oversees the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, setting a template that future emperors follow for the next 500 to 1500 years, as they all aspire to be like him, adopting his titles such as 'Caesar Augustus' and 'Imperator'.

Augustus is seen as a model for rulers throughout history, representing both a positive and negative legacy, as many aspire to emulate his power and success, similar to how Alexander the Great is viewed.

Octavian's political savvy and ability to manipulate public perception allowed him to defeat rivals like Mark Antony, portraying them as threats to Rome.

Octavian's modest lifestyle and respect for the Senate helped him maintain power without appearing as a tyrant, contrasting with Caesar's arrogance.

Marcus Agrippa, Augustus's right-hand man, was a talented general, admiral, and builder who played a crucial role in Augustus's rise to power and the rebuilding of Rome.

The rise of ambitious strongmen in the late Republic, such as Marius, Sulla, and Julius Caesar, undermined the institutions of the Republic, prioritizing personal gain over the state.