Octavian and Antony soon pushed Lepidus out of the picture. There were years of bloody, brutal fighting for power and money in Rome and the provinces. For decades, the whole Mediterranean world was filled with wars and violence now, under the Triumvirate, it became far worse. Within a year Caesar was murdered, and Octavian joined with two others – Mark Antony and Lepidus – in splitting the domination of Rome three ways. Julius Caesar eventually adopted Octavian as his son, and he was made his official heir in 45 B.C. His grandmother was the sister of Julius Caesar, and being a talented young man, Octavian came to the attention of his great uncle.
He was born with the name Octavian, named after his father. A decree went out from Caesar Augustus: The story of Jesus’ birth began during the reign of one of the most remarkable men of ancient history. This is not “once upon a time.” These are not fanciful stories of Zeus and Apollo on Mount Olympus. It came to pass in those days: Luke clearly tells us that he recorded actual history and real events.
(1) A decree from Rome reaches the whole Mediterranean world.Īnd it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.Ī.
