This work investigates the intersection of celestial phenomena and political legitimacy in the life of Augustus, questioning how astrological belief systems influenced the rise of the first Roman emperor. Anne-Marie Lewis, a scholar of classical antiquity, examines the historical record to determine how Augustus and his contemporaries utilized celestial signs, omens, and astronomical alignments to justify his authority. The book synthesizes primary source accounts of historical events with the prevailing astrological practices of the late Roman Republic and early Empire. By analyzing specific events such as the appearance of the comet in 44 B.C. and the dedication of the Ara Pacis, the author constructs a framework for understanding the role of divine sanction in Augustan propaganda.

Scholars and historians recognize this text as a specialized study that bridges the gap between Roman political history and the history of science. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational knowledge of Roman history to fully appreciate the author's arguments regarding imperial ideology.