Who is considered the first emperor of Rome?

Augustus Caesar is recognized as the first emperor of Rome, marking the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. After a period of civil war, Augustus, originally named Octavian, consolidated power and established a new political structure that allowed him to govern with significant authority while maintaining the facade of republican traditions. He was granted the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate in 27 BC, which signifies a revered or exalted status. This pivotal moment in history not only established Augustus as the first emperor but also laid the groundwork for a long line of emperors and the imperial system that would rule Rome for centuries. His reign is often associated with a period of peace and stability known as the Pax Romana.