August: |” The True Story of How the Month of August Got Its Name”

 

First Roman Emperor

Is it True That Augusta Caesar is Where Calendar Got the Month of August?

**Answer:** False. The month of August is named after Augustus Caesar, not Augusta Caesar.

The month of August was originally called Sextilis, which means "sixth" in Latin. This is because it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar, which originally began in March. In 44 BC, Julius Caesar had the month renamed July after himself. After Caesar's death, his adopted son Octavian became emperor and took the name Augustus. In 27 BC, the Roman Senate renamed Sextilis to Augustus in his honor.

There is no historical figure named Augusta Caesar. The name Augusta was used as a title for Roman empresses, but it was never used as a personal name.

So, the next time you hear someone say that the month of August is named after Augusta Caesar, you can tell them that they are mistaken. It is actually named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.

Summary 

Contrary to popular belief, the month of August was not originally called Sextilis, meaning "sixth" in Latin, as it is commonly assumed. The true story behind the name of August lies in its association with the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar.

Augustus Caesar, born Gaius Octavius, was a prominent figure in ancient Rome and played a crucial role in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. As a way to honor his achievements and legacy, the Senate decided to dedicate a month to Augustus, thus renaming Sextilis to August in his honor.

This renaming occurred during the reign of Augustus Caesar's successor, Emperor Claudius, in 8 BC. The decision was made to reflect the significance of Augustus' contributions to the empire and to ensure his memory lived on.

The choice of the month of Sextilis for this renaming was not arbitrary. Sextilis was originally the sixth month in the Roman calendar, which began in March. However, when Julius Caesar reformed the calendar, adding the months of July and August, Sextilis became the eighth month. This positioning made it a suitable choice for renaming in honor of Augustus.

Since then, August has retained its name, serving as a reminder of the impact and influence of Augustus Caesar on the Roman Empire. It stands as a testament to the historical significance and enduring legacy of this remarkable leader.