Ed Watts, a historian and author of The Romans: A 2,000-Year History, delves into the life of Augustus, Rome's first emperor. He contrasts Augustus’s ruthless early persona with his later image as a state-builder. Watts explores how Augustus seized power, skillfully used propaganda against Antony and Cleopatra, and navigated the brutalities of political life. He describes Augustus's charisma, strategic family dynamics, and the monumental rebuilding of Rome, showcasing his complex legacy that shaped an empire for centuries.
