Augustus accomplished much during his time on the Roman throne. he transformed the structures of Roman Empire, including its politics and army as well as the appearance of the city itself. Near the end of his long life, the emperor penned two simple sentences summarizing his time on the throne, “I found a city built of sun-dried brick. I leave her clothed in marble.” There are those, however, who believe that his success was partially due to not only his long life but also his ability to make essential changes.