Augustus of Rome – Guide and Strategy

9 months ago
jan
8 minutes

Intro
Welcome to a closer look at Augustus, one of the more methodical yet quietly powerful leaders available in Civilization VII. Emerging from the turmoil of Rome’s civil wars, he refashioned a fragile republic into a unified empire that would leave an indelible mark on history. In the game, Augustus brings a methodical approach to expansion, a flair for cultural development, and a knack for building an impressive empire—often faster and with more cohesion than you’d expect. This guide will walk you through what makes Augustus stand out, including insights on his background, strategies for capitalizing on his abilities, and tips on forging successful relationships (or deciding they’re not worth the trouble).

Strategy

Playing as Augustus revolves around striking a balance between expansion and culture. If you prefer a methodical build-up, you’ll appreciate his ability to tie cultural growth to the process of founding Towns (smaller, specialized settlements), all the while funneling extra Production and Gold into your empire.

  1. Town-Based Production Boost
    • For every Town you establish, you gain additional Production in the Capital. This allows you to construct important Wonders, district projects, and mid-game buildings at a faster pace. You’re essentially rewarded for widening your empire, but not necessarily spamming countless settlements without plan—thoughtful expansion wins out over random grabs.
  2. Culture Building Purchases
    • Being able to purchase Culture Buildings directly in Towns is perfect for players who want to keep their empire’s cultural output on par with more traditionally culture-focused rivals. You can stack Culture so that your empire is not only large but also highly developed in the arts, unlocking key Civics at a healthy pace.
  3. Economic Prowess in Towns
    • Don’t overlook the Gold bonus that helps purchase Buildings in Towns. Even if you normally lean on Production, having the option to buy necessary infrastructure can smooth out your empire’s growth curve. When combined with trade routes or well-placed Commercial Hub expansions, the Gold you generate can make all the difference in a pinch.
  4. Diplomatic Maneuvering
    • Augustus’s agenda, Restitutor Orbis, increases or decreases his relationship with other leaders depending on how they manage their own cities. While he approves of full-fledged Cities (he’s happy if you’re not just throwing Towns everywhere), he’ll frown on minor Town spam in your borders. Diplomatic relations can shift quickly if an opponent starts peppering the map with small outposts, so watch how other players settle.
  5. Military or Cultural Victory?
    • Thanks to the added Production, Augustus can switch rapidly between building armies and constructing cultural infrastructure. He can be a strong contender for both Domination and Culture victories. If you’re patient, your combined approach can let you outlast more aggressive rivals and overshadow purely cultural civs by outproducing them.

Overall, if you like empires that bloom in both breadth and sophistication, Augustus is your champion. Carefully manage your Towns, leverage those cost-efficient building purchases, and you’ll find yourself well-poised to guide your empire to dominance—whether through formidable legions or by outshining everyone else with cultural achievements.

Lines

Augustus is voiced in rich Classical Latin that underscores his pride in Roman ideals. Below are some notable lines you might hear throughout the game:

  • Greeting:
    “I am Octavian, Augustus Caesar, a simple first citizen. And emperor of the world.”
  • Attacked:
    “Come, break your swords on our walls.”
  • Declares War:
    “The die is cast.”
  • Accepts Player’s Deal:
    “I will it.”
  • Rejects Player’s Deal:
    “I forge my own path here.”
  • Defeated:
    “Have I played the part well? Then, I exit.”

These lines reflect Augustus’s measured confidence and the legacy of Roman ambition. His tone typically remains composed, reminding you he once wrested control of an entire republic—though he can certainly give a short, sharp retort when provoked.

Civilopedia Entry

One of the most influential figures in history, Augustus (also known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus) was Rome’s first emperor, reigning from 27 BCE until 14 CE. He quietly dismantled the republican framework while pretending to maintain it, consolidating sprawling provinces into an orderly system of governance. By championing infrastructure, reorganizing taxation, and establishing lasting institutions—such as the imperial cult—he reshaped Rome into a force so cohesive that historians often refer to his reign as the start of the Pax Romana.

Born to a reasonably well-connected family, he was drawn into Roman power struggles at a young age. His adopted father, Julius Caesar, saw promise in him and named him heir, giving him the chance to stake a claim as one of Rome’s key leaders. Overcoming rivals like Marc Antony required careful alliances, and Augustus excelled at that brand of patient, methodical politics. His famed showdown with Antony and Cleopatra ended in Egypt’s annexation, a strategic windfall that allowed him personal control over that famously wealthy territory.

Though he was an expert politician, Augustus was also keen on keeping up appearances. He refrained from calling himself a king and adopted titles like “Princeps” (first citizen), ensuring that Romans could still recall the trappings of a republic. Yet behind this republican façade, he maintained an iron grip on the empire’s armies and finances, paving the way for centuries of imperial rule that followed. By the time of his passing in 14 CE, he had fashioned a legacy as the architect of an empire that stretched from Europe to North Africa, setting a blueprint for future emperors and leaving a cultural and administrative imprint on Western civilization.

In Civilization VII, Augustus’s in-game persona draws heavily on his historical knack for both grand expansion and subtle internal organization. Expect a calm demeanor coupled with a resolute drive to bring order to the world—on his own terms, of course.

Unique Ability: Imperium Maius

Augustus’s defining trait is Imperium Maius, which shapes how he builds and manages his empire:

  • Production Boost in the Capital: Gain additional Production in your Capital for every Town you establish, accelerating crucial construction like Wonders and late-game projects.
  • Purchasing Culture Buildings in Towns: You can use Gold to buy Culture Buildings in Towns, ensuring you keep pace (or take the lead) in Civics and Great People development.
  • Enhanced Gold Spending on Buildings: Buildings in Towns cost less Gold to purchase, which is particularly handy when you want to pivot your production queues toward units or city-state projects.

This ability both rewards wide-scale expansion and complements cultural ambitions, giving Augustus a flexible foundation that can adapt to changing game states.

Agendas

Augustus’s primary agenda, Restitutor Orbis (“Restorer of the World”), reveals his desire for orderly expansion:

  • Positive Relations: Other civilizations that maintain thriving Cities (rather than countless underdeveloped Towns) are viewed more favorably. He sees robust urban centers as a sign of stability and seriousness.
  • Negative Relations: Players who scatter numerous Towns across the map without developing them into proper Cities can earn Augustus’s disapproval. This can lead to diplomatic friction or even conflict if he decides your presence is too chaotic.

If you want to stay on Augustus’s good side, consider focusing on a balanced approach to settlement: fewer, well-developed Cities might net you his friendship, particularly if they become cultural hubs. Conversely, if you pepper the map with small outposts to claim territory, don’t be surprised if you see Augustus’s scowl heading your way.

Trivia

  • Augustus’s agenda name, Restitutor Orbis, is the same honorific that Roman Emperor Aurelian earned for stabilizing the empire.
  • He was among the first leaders confirmed for early testing phases in Civilization VII.
  • His voice actor brings an air of Classical Latin authenticity, underscoring the grandeur of Augustus’s historical persona.
  • Historically, Augustus’s final words are often recorded as “Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit,” which is also echoed by his in-game defeat quote.

TL;DR

Augustus is a calm, expansion-oriented leader who rewards meticulous empire-building. By integrating Towns for extra Capital Production and the ability to purchase Culture Buildings, he deftly combines wide expansion with robust cultural development. His agenda, Restitutor Orbis, prizes well-developed Cities and frowns upon scattered Towns, making him a nuanced figure in diplomacy. Whether you aim for a towering Cultural Victory or a well-funded military campaign, Augustus’s methodical style ensures you’ll have both the infrastructure and the adaptability to see your ambitions through.

If you’re the sort of strategist who appreciates patient growth, flexible build orders, and a slight flair for the dramatic, give Augustus a try. Watch your Towns feed your Capital’s production lines, turn Cultural Buildings into easily purchased expansions of your influence, and see just how smoothly you can pave your way to a new Pax Romana—this time, entirely on your own terms.