[see note 2]. This shows that Augustus relied heavily upon the army that his adopted father's name gave him and proves that he had great intellect to take up the name especially when it put his life at risk. Risking his life in this way was worthwhile because it enabled Augustus to continually increase his power.
In 42 BC, Augusts used his army to threaten Caesars assassins, Brutus and Cassius, who where once high in the Roman Government. They both committed suicide because they feared Augustus. This helped Augustus consolidate his power because he had avenged the death of Julius Caesar and the Roman people were pleased.
"Augustus and the Death of the Roman Republic- by Mr T says that in 43 BC, Augustus and Antony formed the Second Triumvirate with Lepidus. The aim of this was to divide the power in the Roman world between them. By 40 BC Augustus controlled most of the western provinces, Antony the western provinces and Lepidus controlled Africa. This gave Augustus almost ultimate power of Rome but he had to share the power. Augustus and Antony constantly clashed, but they partly resolved the problem when Augustus gave his sister Octavia to Antony in marriage.
Augustus wanted more power and he was now in a good position to get it. Whilst Antony was away fighting the Parthians, Augustus forced Lepidus from power and the triumvirate broke. This gave Augustus the ideal opportunity to take over Rome.
Augustus now seemed like a greater threat to Antony then ever. The two enemies were set to fight until one of them died. The marriage that tried to keep Antony and Augustus mutual broke and Antony sent Octavia back. Augustus would have to find a way to get Antony out of the way.
During the battle of Actium in 31 BC, Augustus defeated Antony's army and Antony killed himself. Antony's army was moderately large and was combined with Cleopatra's army. [see note 3] This shows that Augustus at this time would have had a very large army.