Augustus (16 January 27BCE - 19 August 14CE). Gaius Julius Caesar adopted Gaius Octavius Thurinus posthumously (through his last will & testament) in 44 BCE. From then, Augustus was officially named Gaius Julius Caesar. In 27BCE when the Senate awarded him the honorific Augustus, he became Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. He is considered to be the first Roman Emperor. Coinage struck before 27BCE are considered Roman Republican coinage.