Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome (27 BC-AD 14), brought peace and prosperity to his city after decades of fierce civil war. This selection from Cassius Dio's "Roman History" offers the most complete account of this long struggle and its ultimate victory—detailing the fierce battles and political conflicts that led to the collapse of Rome's 400-year-old Republic and the subsequent reign of Augustus as emperor. Included are accounts of military campaigns from Ethiopia to Yugoslavia, as well as the protracted conflict with Antony and Cleopatra. With skill and artistry, Dio brings to life many speeches of the era—including Augustus's condemnation of Antony for his passion for the Egyptian queen—and provides a gripping account of the discussion between the great marshal Agrippa and Maecenas on the merits of democracy and monarchy.