Quote Originally Posted by TinCow View Post
Octavius was an enlightened ruler, and benefitted the people far more than others like Pompey or Antony would have. In a choice between an enlightened dictator and a negligent or tyrannical one, the enlightened dictatory is the hero.
He certainly was an enlightened emperor, but as a triumphir not so much. I understand he acted like a gangster after Anthony left for the east. I guess he should get credit for not growing worse after obtaining absolute power, but that does not cancel out his earlier behaviour. It's far easier to be benevolent when you are the undisputed ruler (and awarded yourself with the obscene revenue from Egypt).