Augustus

Octavius in Alexandria

Although Octavius harbored resentment towards Alexandria as a result of his rivalry with Antony and Cleopatra, he took the unprecedented step of prohibiting his troops from pillaging the city. This was a stark departure from the usual practices of victorious armies, who often ransacked conquered territories as spoils of war. Octavius’ decision was motivated by his respect for Alexander the Great, the city’s founder. However, Octavius declined to restore the city council that had governed Alexandria under the Ptolemaic dynasty. His refusal was driven by his desire to integrate Egypt’s legal system with that of Rome.

A bas-relief on the Kalabsha Temple of Emperor Augustus in Pharaonic form

Statue of Augustus in Roman costume