When Christ was born, Rome was ruled by Emperor Augustus. Augustus, also known as Octavian, was the first emperor of Rome and reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD. He was the great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, and after defeating his rival Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium, he became the undisputed ruler of the Roman Empire.

During his reign, Augustus ushered in a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace. This era saw a flourishing of the arts, architecture, and literature, as well as significant advancements in infrastructure and governance.

Augustus was also known for his administrative reforms, which laid the groundwork for the efficient governance of the empire. He centralized power in Rome, established a standing army, and reorganized the provinces to ensure better control and coordination.

One of Augustus's most enduring legacies was the establishment of the Roman Principate, a system of government that laid the foundation for the Roman Empire as we know it. He also initiated a massive building program in Rome, including the construction of the Forum of Augustus and the completion of the Temple of Caesar.

For more information on Emperor Augustus and his reign during the time of Christ's birth, you can visit Britannica or History.com.

In conclusion, Emperor Augustus was the ruler of Rome when Christ was born. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Roman history and laid the foundation for the empire's golden age. His legacy as the first Roman emperor continues to be studied and admired to this day.

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