On this day in history, on August 19th, 14 AD, the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, passed away at the age of 75. Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius Thurinus, was the founder of the Roman Principate and the first Emperor of the Roman Empire. He ruled for over 40 years and his reign marked the beginning of a long period of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. Augustus' legacy had a profound impact on the development of Rome and his rule set the stage for the emperors who would follow him.