Augustus, also called Octavian (adopted name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first emperor. He first gained prominence after delivering a funeral speech for his grandmother Julia as a young boy. Some years later, he was elected to the College of Pontiffs. While studying and undergoing military training in Illyria, he received news of his maternal great-uncle Julius Caesar's assassination. Julius Caesar, who had no legitimate heirs under Roman law, named Octavian as his adopted son and heir in his will. Accepting the inheritance, Octavian traveled to Italia to claim it. However, he soon realized that claiming his position would not be straightforward, as Mark Antony, Caesar's ally and friend, had taken control of Caesar’s assets and papers. After several political alignments, wars, and treaties, Octavian consolidated his power and achieved his rightful place as Caesar’s successor. During his reign, the Roman Empire entered the period known as Pax Romana (an era of relative peace and stability). Augustus implemented a new taxation system, expanded road networks, established an imperial courier system, and created the Praetorian Guard, as well as official police and fire-fighting services. He also led successful campaigns in Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, and Hispania, and established client states along the Empire’s borders. One of his significant achievements was securing peace with the Parthian Empire through diplomacy.