"I found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble" (Augustus, Res Gestae) To what extent does Augustus' public building programme explain his success as emperor?

There are many reasons for which Augustus was successful emperor amongst which his building programme plays a vital role. Besides his building programme Augustus also used other means to become successful and the main ones are his avoidance of being seen as an arrogant leader or dictator, keeping his promises, claimed to act in the ways and will of their ancestors, he was selfless, he put on games and also his victories at war. The …

…be concluded that it was in fact a combination of all these factors which made him successful. His building programme played a big role, dealing with many of the problems he faced but it was only a base for his success. It took everything else together to make him the Augustus he became. If one aspect was taken out then it could not be certain that he would have been as successful as he was.