Augustus Caesar

As the founder of the Roman Empire and one of the most influential figures in history, Augustus’ insights on leadership, power, and governance continue to inspire and enlighten people today. Our collection of Augustus Caesar quotes offers timeless wisdom and perspective on a wide range of topics, including politics, warfare, and governance. Use our quotes to gain inspiration and guidance on your own personal growth and leadership journey, and to deepen your understanding of history and the human experience. Start your journey of exploration and discovery with our Augustus Caesar quotes and words of wisdom today!

Where these lines come from

True “I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” Suetonius, Life of Augustus 28.3: he boasted that he “found it of brick, but left it of marble” (marmoream se relinquere, quam latericiam accepisset). Suetonius reports it as a boast about his building programme, in indirect speech. Thomson/Forester translation

True “Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!” Suetonius, Life of Augustus 23 (Quintili Vare, legiones redde!). After three legions were destroyed in Germany under Varus in AD 9, Suetonius says Augustus let his hair and beard grow for months and would beat his head against a door, crying out these words. Thomson/Forester translation

Each line was checked against the original text, or a named translation of it, in September 2026. How we check, and what we will not quote, is set out in our editorial standards.