Which name did Octavian, the future emperor, originally bear before becoming Augustus?

Which name did Octavian, the future emperor, originally bear before becoming Augustus?

• A. Lepidus
• B. Octavius/Octavian
• C. Augustus
• D. Pilum

Answer: (B)

Before taking the title Augustus, the future emperor was known as Octavian (also rendered Octavius). He was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, and after Julius Caesar adopted him, his name became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. In most sources he’s simply called Octavian during the late Republic. The title Augustus came later, when the Senate granted it as an honor as he became the first Roman emperor. Lepidus is a different figure tied to the later Triumvirate, and Pilum is not a name at all.

Before taking the title Augustus, the future emperor was known as Octavian (also rendered Octavius). He was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, and after Julius Caesar adopted him, his name became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. In most sources he’s simply called Octavian during the late Republic. The title Augustus came later, when the Senate granted it as an honor as he became the first Roman emperor. Lepidus is a different figure tied to the later Triumvirate, and Pilum is not a name at all.