The first emperor of the Roman Empire was Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius Thurinus. He rose to power after the assassination of his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, and the subsequent civil wars that followed. In 27 BC, he was bestowed the title "Augustus" by the Senate, marking the official start of the Roman Empire. Augustus implemented wide-ranging reforms, established the Pax Romana (a period of relative peace), and greatly expanded the empire’s territories. His reign laid the foundation for the imperial system, influencing governance and culture for centuries.