Augustus, also known as Augustus Caesar or (until 27 BC) Octavian, was the first emperor of ancient Roman and is considered one of the greatest leaders in Western history. His rule (31 BC–AD 14) brought changes to every aspect of Roman life and lasting peace and prosperity to the Greco-Roman world. He secured outlying imperial provinces, built roads and public works, established the Pax Romana, and fostered the arts. When he died, the empire stretched from Iberia to Cappadocia and from Gaul to Egypt.
Around 29 BC, the Romans defeated the Bastarnae, a tribe of mixed ethnicity who were threatening Thrace and the surrounding areas. In the aftermath, Augustus decided to leave the local ruler, King Rhescuporis I, in charge; other, more troublesome nearby lands he annexed in order to keep them under closer Roman control. There was a rebellion in 11 BC, and Rhescuporis was killed. Subsequently, the Romans moved in to quell the rebellion, and afterwards Augustus renewed his decision to keep Thrace as a client kingdom under the rule of Rhescuporis’ uncle, Rhoemetalces I.
Rhoemetalces provided peace and prosperity over Thrace until his death in 12 AD. Augustus then divided his realm into two separate kingdoms, the cultivated parts of Thrace for his son Cotys VIII to rule, and the remaining wild and savage portion, with enemies on its frontier, for Rhoemetalces’ brother, Rhescuporis II.