Caesar Octavian Augustus (Rome 63 BC - Nola 14 AD) was the first Roman emperor (27 BC - 14 AD). His reign coincided with a period of peace, economic prosperity and great cultural flourishing, known as the Augustan age; Octavian restored unity and strengthened the government after nearly a century of civil wars. Grandson of Julius Caesar, who adopted him in 45 BC, when he was assassinated, in 44 BC, Octavian was in Illyria; back in Italy, he learned that his uncle had named him his heir and succeeded him in the government of Rome with the name of Caio Giulio Cesare Ottaviano.