Conclusion of HE "FOUND ROME BRICK AND LEFT IT MARBLE"

In that same year, "a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus for all the inhabited earth to be registered; . . .and all people went traveling to be registered, each one to his own city." (Luke 2:1-3)  As a result of this decree, Jesus was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. -Daniel 11:20; Micah 5:2. 

The government under Augustus was marked by a measure of honesty and a sound currency. Augustus also established an effective postal-system and constructed roads and bridges. He reorganized  the army, created a permanent navy, and established an elite band of imperial bodyguards known at the Praetorian Guard. (Philippians  1:13)  Under his patronage, such writers as Virgil and Horace flourished and sculptors created beautiful works in what is now called the classical style.   Augustus completed buildings left unfinished by Julius Caesar and restored many temples.  The Pax Romana ("Roman Peace") that he introduced  lasted more than 200 years.  On August 19, 14 C.E., at the age of 76, Augustus died and was deified thereafter. 

Augustus boasted that he had "found Rome brick and left it marble."  Not wanting Rome to revert to the strife-filled days of the former republic, he intended  to groom the next emperor. But he had little choice regarding a successor.  His nephew, two grandsons, a son-in-law, and a stepson had all died, leaving only his stepson Tiberius to take over. 

Next time: THE "ONE WHO IS TO BE DESPISED" 

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999