When Octavian first appeared on the Roman political stage after Julius Caesar’s death, many including Cicero underestimated him. Cicero saw the young heir as a pawn to be used against Marc Antony, believing he could control Octavian to restore the Senate’s power. However, Octavian quickly showed his political skill, turning the tables on Cicero and forming an alliance with Antony and Lepidus to create the Second Triumvirate. This move secured Octavian’s position as a rising force in Roman politics, proving that he was no one’s puppet. Over time, Octavian outmaneuvered both Antony and Lepidus, eventually becoming Augustus, Rome’s first emperor.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Underestimation of Octavian
00:00:08 Cicero's Strategy
00:00:17 Formation of the Second Triumvirate
00:00:29 Securing Political Power
00:00:37 Becoming Augustus
