This week in history: 21 - 27 September

23 September 63 BC

A few individuals have had such an impact on the world that the course of human history was directly and monumentally altered through their activities. Among U.S. leaders, perhaps George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt (to the good) and Woodrow Wilson (to the bad) rise to such a level, but none has had the enduring influence of the first Roman emperor, Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, who was born on this date.

Augustus' actions brought stability to the ancient Mediterranean and ensured the success of the Roman state for the next few centuries. Yet this stability came at a high price — political repression, redistribution of property and wealth, military action against both domestic and foreign foes. Modern historians have had a mixed view of Augustus, but the fact that you are reading this blog using the Roman alphabet is in part due to the enduring nature of Roman civilization that was a result of Augustus' career.

We have a very different society from that of ancient Rome, but it is worth noting — especially in this election year — that an individual in a position of leadership has great influence in shaping not only the present, but also the future.