Augustus vs Robert the Bruce

Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate, a legal commission to govern the Roman Republic. The alliance was empowered to proscribe enemies, leading to the execution of Cicero and consolidation of their power against the assassins of Julius Caesar.

Octavian's fleet, commanded by Marcus Agrippa, defeated the combined naval forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII off the coast of Greece. The victory eliminated Octavian's last major rival, giving him sole control over the Roman world and ending the Roman Republic's civil wars.

Octavian formally returned power to the Roman Senate, which then granted him the titles Augustus and Princeps. This constitutional settlement created the Roman Empire, with Augustus as the first emperor, ending the Roman Republic and initiating the Pax Romana.

Augustus implemented a comprehensive tax reform, including a census of Roman citizens and property, direct taxation of provinces, and the creation of a professional tax collection service (publicani). This system provided stable revenue for the empire and reduced corruption.

Augustus established the Praetorian Guard as a permanent elite military unit tasked with protecting the emperor and his family. Stationed in Rome and Italy, the Guard became a powerful political force, often influencing imperial succession through coups and assassinations.

The Roman Senate commissioned the Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) to commemorate Augustus's return from pacifying Gaul and Spain. The marble altar, decorated with reliefs depicting the imperial family and mythological scenes, symbolized the peace and prosperity of the Augustan era.

Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone Abbey by Isabella MacDuff, Countess of Buchan. The coronation occurred after Bruce murdered John Comyn, his rival, in Greyfriars Church, Dumfries, sparking a new phase of the Wars of Independence.

Robert the Bruce's Scottish army decisively defeated Edward II's English forces at Bannockburn near Stirling. The victory secured Scottish independence and established Bruce as the undisputed king, though the war continued for years.

Robert the Bruce's nobles sent the Declaration of Arbroath to Pope John XXII, asserting Scotland's independence and Bruce's right to rule. The document argued that Scotland was a sovereign kingdom and that the nobles would depose Bruce if he submitted to England.

Robert the Bruce led a large-scale raid into northern England, reaching as far as Yorkshire. The raid devastated English territories and forced Edward II to pay a ransom for peace, demonstrating Scottish military strength.

Robert the Bruce signed the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton with Edward III of England, recognizing Scotland as an independent kingdom. The treaty ended the First War of Scottish Independence and included the marriage of Bruce's son David to Edward III's sister Joan.